Question

The uneven distribution of insolation at the thermopause is caused by Earth's curvature, with only the subsolar point receiving sunlight from directly overhead.

A) True
B) False

Answer 1

The uneven distribution of insolation at the thermopause is not caused by Earth's curvature but rather by the tilt of Earth's axis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is False.

The uneven distribution of insolation at the thermopause is primarily caused by the 23.5° tilt of Earth's axis, not Earth's curvature. This tilt causes the angle at which sunlight reaches different parts of the Earth's surface to vary throughout the year. During summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun appears higher in the sky, and its rays hit Earth more directly, concentrating the sunlight over a smaller area and resulting in warmer conditions. In contrast, during winter, the Sun is lower in the sky, spreading its rays out over a wider area, hence becoming less effective at heating the ground.