Final answer:
Insolation is largely determined by latitude, as it affects the angle of the sun's rays and the amount of solar energy received. Regional factors like clouds can impact local insolation, but latitude is key for understanding variations on a larger scale.
Step-by-step explanation:
Insolation, which stands for incoming solar radiation, refers to the amount of solar energy received by the Earth's surface. It is largely determined by latitude, because the angle at which the sun's rays strike the Earth changes with latitude, resulting in varying amounts of solar energy received at different locations. Positions closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight and thus higher insolation compared to higher latitudes. While other factors like clouds, altitude, and surface reflectivity do play roles in regional and local variations, latitude has the most consistent and significant effect on the overall amount of solar energy a location receives.
The absorption and reflection of sunlight by clouds and ice are important in understanding the earth's albedo, or its capacity to reflect solar energy back into space, which inherently affects insolation. Also, the amount of energy that is absorbed significantly contributes to critical natural processes such as evaporation, wind patterns, and driving ocean currents. Insights from figures and tables, as mentioned, underscore that while clouds and weather may have local impacts, latitude is the predominant determinant of average insolation across regions.
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