Final answer:
The angle of insolation refers to the angle at which sunlight rays strike the Earth's surface. It determines the concentration and intensity of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The angle of insolation refers to the angle at which sunlight rays strike the Earth's surface. It is the angle between the incoming sunlight and the surface. This angle is important because it determines the concentration and intensity of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface.
When the angle of insolation is high, meaning the sunlight is hitting the surface at a steep angle, the solar radiation is concentrated over a smaller area, resulting in higher intensity and more heating. This is why the summer sun, with its higher angle of insolation, tends to heat the land more than the winter sun, which has a lower angle. On the other hand, when the angle of insolation is low, the solar radiation is spread out over a larger area, resulting in lower intensity and less heating.
The amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is also influenced by factors like the Earth's albedo, which refers to the amount of solar radiation reflected by the surface. Light-colored surfaces reflect more sunlight, while darker surfaces absorb more. So, the albedo of the Earth's surface affects the amount of solar radiation that reaches the surface, and consequently, the temperature and climate on Earth.