Question

The insolation received at Earth's surface is _______.

1) greatest over low-latitude deserts with their cloudless skies
2) generally greater at high latitudes because of daylength
3) usually low at the equator
4) inadequate to sustain life

Answer 1

Answer: 1

Explanation: The insolation received at Earth's surface is influenced by various factors. Let's examine the given statements:

1) The statement is accurate. Low-latitude deserts with their cloudless skies receive the greatest amount of insolation. These regions are typically located closer to the equator where the sun is more directly overhead, resulting in higher solar radiation.

2) The statement is incorrect. Generally, the insolation is greater at low latitudes (closer to the equator) because of the more direct angle of the sun's rays. At high latitudes (closer to the poles), the sun's rays are more spread out due to the Earth's curvature, resulting in lower solar radiation.

3) The statement is incorrect. The equator receives a high amount of insolation due to its position near the center of the Earth and the more direct angle of the sun's rays. The region around the equator experiences relatively high temperatures and receives a substantial amount of solar energy.

4) The statement is incorrect. Insolation is necessary for sustaining life on Earth. It provides energy for photosynthesis in plants, which forms the base of the food chain. Additionally, solar radiation plays a crucial role in regulating climate and driving weather patterns.

In summary, the correct statement is that the insolation received at Earth's surface is greatest over low-latitude deserts with their cloudless skies.

Answer 2

The insolation at Earth's surface is greatest over low-latitude deserts due to clear skies and direct sunlight. On average, the Earth receives about 200 W/m² at the surface, but this number increases in regions with favorable conditions like those of low-latitude deserts.Option 2 is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The insolation received at Earth's surface is greatest over low-latitude deserts with their cloudless skies. Insolation, which refers to the power from sunlight reaching the ground, varies based on latitude, cloud cover, and the angle of the Sun's rays. Due to the Earth's tilt and orbital dynamics, different latitudes receive different amounts of solar energy through the year. At low-latitudes, particularly in desert regions, clear skies allow for more insolation. High latitude areas are at a disadvantage because of their lower sun angles and often cloudier conditions, leading to lesser insolation.

Insolation values typically average around 200 W/m² at the surface of the Earth, but this can be higher in arid, low-latitude regions due to less atmospheric interference, namely clouds. Additionally, during summer, high sun elevation allows for direct sunlight that heats the ground more effectively, whereas in winter, the sun is lower, and sunlight is spread over a wider area resulting in less effective heating.

These variations in sunlight are essential for the Earth's climate and also for sustaining life. Without the filtering of some ultraviolet radiation by the Earth's atmosphere, life on land would be very different or potentially non-existent.