Final answer:
Solar energy input is greater near the equator than the poles because the sunlight has to travel a shorter path through the atmosphere and is spread over a smaller area, leading to more intense solar radiation. The correct answer to the question is 'I and II only'.quator.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Solar Energy Distribution on Earth
The distribution of solar energy on Earth is influenced by several key factors, including the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth, the duration of sunlight, and the reflectivity of Earth's surface, which is known as albedo.
The reasons solar energy input is greater near the equator than near the poles include the fact that at the poles, the sunlight takes a longer path through the atmosphere, reducing its intensity due to the greater distance it travels and atmospheric absorption. In contrast, near the equator, sunlight is concentrated over a smaller area since it strikes Earth at a more direct angle. Additionally, the equator generally has a lower albedo compared to the poles, which have higher albedo due to ice and snow cover, so the equator absorbs more solar energy. Therefore, statements I and II accurately describe why solar energy is more abundant at the equator while statement III is incorrect as albedo is lower at the equator. The correct answer to the question is 'I and II only'.
Seasonal changes and Earth's axial tilt further impact solar energy distribution, causing variations in climate and temperatures throughout the year. The tilt of Earth's axis results in different intensities of sunlight in different seasons, with the Sun being higher and more direct during summer and lower during winter.