What are the reasons behind little heat and low temperature in winter...
- In winter the oblique rays of the sun, come through the atmosphere less directly and have much of their heat absorbed by atmospheric impurities and water vapour.
- The sun's rays fall faintly and spread over a great area. There is thus little heat, and temperatures remain low.
- Also, days are longer than nights in summer and more heat is received over the longer daylight duration. Nights are shorter and less heat is lost.
What are the reasons behind little heat and low temperature in winter...
Reasons behind little heat and low temperature in winter:
In winter, the amount of heat and temperature is relatively low compared to other seasons. There are several reasons behind this phenomenon:
1. Oblique rays of the sun:
- During winter, the Earth's axial tilt causes the sun's rays to fall at a more oblique angle.
- Oblique rays travel through a greater portion of the Earth's atmosphere before reaching the surface.
- As the rays pass through the atmosphere at a slant, they have to cover a larger distance, resulting in the dispersion of energy over a larger area.
- This leads to a decrease in the intensity of heat received from the sun, resulting in lower temperatures during winter.
2. Absorption of heat by atmospheric impurities and water vapor:
- The Earth's atmosphere contains various impurities, such as dust particles, pollutants, aerosols, and water vapor.
- When the sun's rays pass through the atmosphere, these impurities absorb a significant amount of heat energy.
- During winter, the lower angle of the sun's rays allows them to pass through a greater portion of the atmosphere, increasing the chances of heat absorption by these impurities.
- As a result, less heat reaches the Earth's surface, leading to lower temperatures during winter.
3. Longer nights and shorter days:
- In winter, the Earth's axial tilt causes the nights to be longer and the days to be shorter.
- The longer nights mean that there is less time for the sun's rays to heat the Earth's surface.
- Additionally, the reduced duration of daylight results in lower overall heat absorption by the surface during the day.
- These factors contribute to the lower temperatures experienced during winter.
4. Reduced solar energy input:
- The reduced intensity of the sun's rays and the shorter duration of daylight in winter lead to a decrease in the overall solar energy input received by the Earth.
- The amount of solar energy reaching the Earth's surface directly impacts the temperature experienced in a particular region.
- With less energy available to heat the surface, temperatures are lower during winter.
In conclusion, the correct option is (c) Both 1 and 2. In winter, the combination of oblique rays of the sun and the absorption of heat by atmospheric impurities and water vapor results in reduced heat and lower temperatures. Additionally, the longer nights and shorter days, as well as the overall reduction in solar energy input, contribute to the colder temperatures experienced during this season.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.