What is solar radiation?

The earth’s surface primarily receives its energy in the form of short wavelengths. This energy, known as incoming solar radiation or insolation, is absorbed by the earth.

Which part of the Earth receives the most solar radiation?

Because Earth is a sphere, not all part of the Earth receives the same amount of solar radiation. More solar radiation is received and absorbed near the equator than at the poles. Near the equator, the Sun’s rays strike the Earth most directly, while at the poles the rays strike at a steep angle.

Why is solar radiation important?

To sum up it can be said that the solar radiation, Heat budget of the earth with the temperature distribution plays a significant role in variation in the earth’s atmosphere and weather conditions. Source: Earth.com Solar radiation is the energy emitted by the Sun, which is sent in all directions through space as electromagnetic waves.

How is solar energy absorbed by the Earth?

This energy, known as incoming solar radiation or insolation, is absorbed by the earth. Due to the Earth’s spherical shape, the sun’s rays hit the top of the atmosphere at an angle, resulting in only a small portion of the sun’s energy being intercepted by the Earth.

What determines the intensity of solar radiation?

The intensity of solar radiation is largely a function of the angle of incidence, the angle at which the Sun's rays strike the Earth's surface. If the Sun is positioned directly overhead or 90° from the horizon, the incoming insolation strikes the surface of the Earth at right angles and is most intense.

What percentage of incoming solar radiation is reflected by Earth?

The proportion of incoming solar radiation that is reflected by the Earth is known as its albedo. Overall, Earth reflects about 29% of the incoming solar radiation, and therefore, we say the Earth’s average albedo is 0.29.