Question

why does only a small fraction of the total solar radiation reach the surface of the earth

Answer 1

Atmospheric Effects. Not all of thesolar radiation received at the periphery of the atmosphere reaches the surfaces of the earth. This isbecause the earth's atmosphere plays an important role in selectively controlling the passage towards theearth's surface of the various components of solar radiation.

Answer 2

Answer:

Only a small fraction of the total solar radiation reach the surface of the earth because other rays are reflected back by the atmosphere.

Explanation:

because Only 51% of the insolation reaches the earth’s surface because 35% is reflected back into space by the atmospheric layers and 14% is absorbed by the atmosphere.