Insolations and Seasons Test

Which graph best shows the length of a shadow cast from sunrise to sunset by a flagpole in New York State?

• 
• 
• 
• 

In New York State, the risk of sunburn is greatest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on summer days because

• the air temperature is hot

• the angle of insolation is high

• Earth's surface reflects most of the sunlight

• the Sun is closest to Earth

Base your answer on the diagram below, which represents Earth in its orbit around the Sun. The position of Earth on the first day of each season is labeled A, B, C, and D.

At which location are the Sun's noontime rays perpendicular to Earth's surface at the Tropic of Cancer? (23.5° N)?

• A

• B

• C

• D

In which diagram is the observer experiencing the greatest intensity of insolation?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Base your answer to the next 3 questions on the graph below, which shows the amount of insolation during one year at four different latitudes on Earth's surface.

This graph shows that insolation varies with

• latitude and time of day

• latitude and time of year

• longitude and time of day

• longitude and time of year

Base your answer to the next 3 questions on the graph below, which shows the amount of insolation during one year at four different latitudes on Earth's surface.

Why is less insolation received at the equator in June than in March or September?

• The daylight period is longest at the equator in June.

• Winds blow insolation away from the equator in June.

• The Sun’s vertical rays are north of the equator in June.

• Thick clouds block the Sun’s vertical rays at the equator in June.

Base your answer to the next 3 questions on the graph below, which shows the amount of insolation during one year at four different latitudes on Earth's surface.

Why is insolation 0 cal/cm²/min from October through February at 90º N?

• Snowfields reflect sunlight during that time.

• Dust in the atmosphere blocks sunlight during that time.

• The Sun is continually below the horizon during that time.

• Intense cold prevents insolation from being absorbed during that time.

Which graph best represents the relationship between the angle of insolation and the intensity of insolation?

• 
• 
• 
• 

The diagram below represents Earth at a specific position in its orbit as viewed from space. The shaded area represents nighttime.

Which Earth latitude receives the greatest intensity of insolation when Earth is at the position shown in the diagram?

• 0°

• 23.5°N

• 90°N

• 23.5°S

Which graph best shows the general relationship between the altitude of the noontime Sun and the intensity of insolation received at a location?

• 
• 
• 
•