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Order these regions from highest absorption to lowest for the same insolation:

A) The Nevada desert, A marshy wetland, The Atlantic Ocean, The polar ice caps
B) The Nevada desert, The Atlantic Ocean, A marshy wetland, The polar ice caps
C) The polar ice caps, The Atlantic Ocean, A marshy wetland, The Nevada desert
D) A marshy wetland, The Atlantic Ocean, The polar ice caps, The Nevada desert

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The regions ordered from highest to lowest solar absorption are the Nevada desert due to clear skies, the Atlantic Ocean with moderate absorption, the marshy wetland with vegetation cover, and finally the polar ice caps with high reflectivity and low insolation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the order of regions from highest to lowest absorption with the same insolation. Based on the provided information about solar potential and the characteristics of each region, we can deduce the correct order. Firstly, the Nevada desert would have the highest absorption due to its clear, cloudless skies and high insolation as indicated for solar thermal electricity generation. Next would be the Atlantic Ocean, which has moderate absorption levels due to its vast water surface. Following that, a marshy wetland would absorb less solar energy compared to desert and ocean because of the potential for cloud coverage and vegetation. Lastly, the polar ice caps would have the lowest absorption because of the high reflectivity of ice and snow (albedo effect) and lower insolation levels due to the latitude effect.

Therefore, the correct order from highest to lowest absorption is as follows: the Nevada desert, the Atlantic Ocean, a marshy wetland, and the polar ice caps, which corresponds to option B.

User Mark Bessey
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