The average amount of solar energy received by the Earth at the top of the atmosphere is approximately ___ calories per square centimeter per minute.

1.94

True or False: The Earth is nearest to the Sun during the aphelion position.

False. The Earth is nearest to the Sun during the perihelion position.

What factors cause variations in insolation at the Earth's surface?

The factors include the rotation of the Earth on its axis, the angle of inclination of the sun’s rays, the length of the day, the transparency of the atmosphere, and the configuration of land.

Fill in the blank: The insolation received at the surface varies from about ___ Watt/m² in the tropics to about ___ Watt/m² in the poles.

320; 70

True or False: The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays has no effect on the amount of insolation received at different latitudes.

False. The angle of inclination of the sun's rays significantly affects the amount of insolation received at different latitudes.

What is the primary reason for the color of the sky and the red color of the setting sun?

The color of the sky and the red color of the setting sun are primarily due to the scattering of light by small suspended particles in the troposphere.

Fill in the blank: Maximum insolation is received over the ___, where cloudiness is the least.

Subtropical deserts

How does the amount of insolation received differ between continents and oceans at the same latitude?

Generally, at the same latitude, the insolation is more over the continents than over the oceans.

The process by which heat is transferred from one body to another when they are in contact is called ___.

Conduction. Conduction occurs between two bodies at different temperatures, allowing energy to flow from the warmer to the cooler body.

True or False: Convection is the horizontal movement of air that is less significant than vertical movement in the atmosphere.

False. While horizontal movement is important, convection refers specifically to the vertical movement of air caused by heating.

In which regions are local winds called 'loo' typically observed as a result of the advection process?

Tropical regions, particularly in northern India during the summer season.

The process by which the earth radiates energy to the atmosphere in long wave form is known as ___.

Terrestrial radiation. This process involves the earth absorbing solar energy and then emitting it as long wave radiation, which heats the atmosphere.

True or False: Long wave radiation emitted by the earth is not absorbed by atmospheric gases.

False. Long wave radiation is absorbed by atmospheric gases, particularly carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to the heating of the atmosphere.

The amount of heat received from the sun that is eventually returned to space is essential for maintaining ___.

Constant temperature at the earth's surface and in the atmosphere.

Fill in the blank: The primary mechanism for the vertical movement of air in the atmosphere is called ___.

Convection. This process involves warm air rising and cool air sinking, creating currents that distribute heat.

The heat budget of the Earth maintains a balance when the amount of insolation received equals the amount lost through ___ radiation.

Terrestrial

True or False: The Earth as a whole accumulates heat over time.

False. The Earth does not accumulate heat; it maintains a temperature balance.

___ units of energy are reflected back to space before reaching the Earth's surface.

35

What are the two main factors that influence the temperature of air at any location?

The interaction of insolation with the atmosphere and the characteristics of the Earth's surface.

True or False: The tropics accumulate excess heat, leading to progressively higher temperatures.

False. The surplus heat energy from the tropics is redistributed polewards to prevent excessive heating.

What is the primary reason that high latitudes do not become permanently frozen?

The redistribution of surplus heat energy from the tropics prevents excessive cooling at high latitudes.

Fill in the blank: The amount of insolation received at the top of the atmosphere is ___ percent.

100

The temperature of a place is primarily influenced by its ___ and ___.

Latitude and altitude

True or False: Temperature generally increases with altitude in the atmosphere.

False. Temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude, known as the normal lapse rate.

The rate of decrease of temperature with height is termed as the ___.

Normal lapse rate