Test: Insolation - Class 9 MCQ

An isotherm is a line on a map that connects points with the same mean temperature. This tool is essential for visualizing temperature distribution across different geographical areas.

Vegetation, particularly dense forests, helps reduce local temperatures by absorbing sunlight for photosynthesis. This natural cooling effect is vital for maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Only 51% of the Sun’s total energy reaches Earth’s surface. This percentage reflects the energy that contributes to heating the planet and is fundamental in understanding climate dynamics.

Land breezes occur because land cools faster than water at night. As the land loses heat, cooler air moves from the land towards the sea, creating a breeze. This phenomenon is a key aspect of local climate variations.

Terrestrial radiation is the heat that Earth radiates back into the atmosphere in the form of long waves. This process is crucial for understanding how Earth loses heat, especially at night.

At higher altitudes, the air is thinner and less capable of retaining heat, resulting in cooler temperatures. This principle explains why mountainous regions tend to be cooler than areas at sea level.

Earth maintains its heat balance by ensuring that incoming solar radiation equals outgoing terrestrial radiation. This equilibrium is vital for maintaining stable temperatures over time.

Ocean currents, such as warm currents, can raise temperatures in colder regions by transporting warm water. This can significantly influence the climate of coastal areas, making them milder compared to inland regions.

The diurnal range refers to the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures recorded in a single day. This measurement helps in understanding daily temperature fluctuations and their effects on weather patterns.

The Torrid Zone lies between 23.5° North and South of the Equator and receives direct vertical solar rays. This results in maximum insolation and consistently high temperatures, making it one of the hottest regions on Earth.

The Frigid Zone, located between 66.5° and 90° North and South, experiences very low insolation due to highly slanted rays from the Sun, resulting in extremely cold temperatures.

Population density does not directly influence temperature distribution. In contrast, factors like latitude, altitude, and soil type significantly impact how temperature varies across different regions.

Temperature is measured using thermometers, which can be calibrated in different scales, such as Centigrade and Fahrenheit. This measurement is essential for weather forecasting and scientific research.

Latitude affects temperature distribution because the Earth’s spherical shape causes sunlight to strike at different angles. Regions near the equator receive more direct sunlight, leading to higher temperatures compared to polar regions.

The Earth's rotation causes uneven heating, leading to the day and night cycles that affect temperature distribution. This phenomenon is critical in understanding how temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.

Insolation refers specifically to the solar energy received by Earth's surface, arriving as short waves. It is a crucial concept in understanding how sunlight impacts temperatures and climates across the globe.

Clouds play a crucial role in temperature regulation by blocking incoming sunlight and trapping outgoing heat. This can help to moderate temperatures, preventing extreme highs and lows, particularly in tropical rainforests.

In deserts, temperatures can be extremely hot during the day due to intense sunlight but drop significantly at night due to rapid heat loss. This drastic temperature swing is characteristic of arid climates.

Infrared radiation is the component of solar radiation that primarily contributes to the warmth we feel from sunlight. It is essential for heating the skin and the environment, playing a significant role in Earth’s heat balance.

The heat budget refers to the balance between the solar energy absorbed by Earth and the heat lost to space. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping how Earth maintains its climate stability.