Unit 6 Insolation

What is insolation?

• The angle at which the sun's rays hit the earth

• The movement of the Earth around the sun

• The amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface

• The reflection of solar radiation by the Earth's atmosphere

Which factor does NOT directly affect the amount of insolation received at a particular location on Earth?

• Time of day

• Latitude

• Altitude

• Soil composition

How does the angle of insolation influence the amount of energy received at the Earth's surface?

• Higher angles result in more concentrated energy and higher temperatures.

• Lower angles result in more concentrated energy and higher temperatures.

• The angle of insolation has no effect on the amount of energy received.

• Higher angles result in energy being spread over a larger area, leading to cooler temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What happens to solar radiation as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere?

• All of it reaches the Earth's surface.

• Some is absorbed by atmospheric gases and clouds.

• It is completely reflected back into space.

• It increases in intensity due to atmospheric pressure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why do higher latitudes receive less insolation than lower latitudes?

• Because of the greater distance from the sun

• Due to the curvature of the Earth, causing solar radiation to spread over a larger area

• Because of the thicker atmosphere at higher latitudes

• Due to the higher concentration of clouds at higher latitudes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the significance of the equinoxes in terms of insolation?

• They mark the points in the year when the Earth's axis is tilted directly towards or away from the sun.

• They represent the times when insolation is at its maximum worldwide.

• They are the moments when the sun's rays are perpendicular to the equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths.

• They indicate the start of the periods with the least amount of solar radiation at the poles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What role does albedo play in the Earth's energy balance?

• It increases the amount of insolation absorbed by the Earth's surface.

• It has no significant effect on the Earth's energy balance.

• It determines the amount of solar energy that is reflected back into space.

• It decreases the Earth's temperature by absorbing more heat.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

How does the tilt of the Earth's axis affect seasonal variations in insolation?

• It causes the hemispheres to receive equal amounts of insolation throughout the year.

• It has no effect on insolation but affects the Earth's gravitational pull on the sun.

• It leads to variations in insolation, with more direct sunlight during summer months and less during winter months.

• It increases the overall amount of insolation the Earth receives.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the primary reason for the difference in insolation between the equator and the poles?

• The equator is closer to the sun than the poles.

• The poles have a higher albedo than the equator.

• Solar radiation travels a shorter distance to reach the equator than the poles.

• The curvature of the Earth causes solar radiation to strike the equator more directly than the poles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

During which part of the day is insolation at its peak?

• Just after sunrise

• Midday, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky

• Late afternoon

• Midnight