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The annual insolation received by the Earth in January is slightly more than the amount received in July. However, this variation in the solar output does not have a great effect on daily weather changes on the surface of the Earth. Which factors explain this?
1. Distribution of land
2. Atmospheric circulation
3. Extra-tropical cyclones
Choose the correct answer using the codes below:
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The annual insolation received by the Earth in January is slightly mo...
Distribution of land:
- The distribution of land on Earth plays a significant role in the daily weather changes.
- Land heats up and cools down more quickly than water, leading to temperature variations between land and water bodies.
- During January, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere receive less direct sunlight, resulting in lower temperatures compared to the Southern Hemisphere.
- In July, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere receive more direct sunlight, leading to higher temperatures compared to the Southern Hemisphere.
- This temperature difference between land and water influences the formation of pressure systems and wind patterns, which in turn affect daily weather changes.

Atmospheric circulation:
- Atmospheric circulation is driven by the unequal heating of Earth's surface, which is influenced by the tilt of the Earth and distribution of landmasses.
- The Sun's rays heat the equator more than the poles, resulting in warm air rising at the equator and cool air sinking at the poles.
- This creates global wind patterns, such as the trade winds and prevailing westerlies, which play a crucial role in daily weather changes.
- The variation in solar output between January and July affects the strength and position of these wind patterns, influencing the movement of air masses and the distribution of weather systems.
- However, the overall effect of solar variation on daily weather changes is relatively small compared to other factors, such as local topography, proximity to water bodies, and the presence of weather systems like cyclones.

Extra-tropical cyclones:
- Extra-tropical cyclones, also known as mid-latitude cyclones, are large-scale weather systems that occur outside the tropics.
- They are formed by the interaction of warm and cold air masses along the boundary known as the polar front.
- These cyclones are driven by the temperature differences between land and water, as well as the variation in solar output.
- While the variation in solar output between January and July can influence the strength and position of extra-tropical cyclones, their occurrence and daily weather changes are also influenced by other atmospheric factors, such as jet streams, upper-level troughs, and frontal boundaries.
- Therefore, although extra-tropical cyclones are affected by solar variation, they are not solely determined by it, and other factors play a significant role in daily weather changes.

In conclusion, the distribution of land and atmospheric circulation are the primary factors that explain why the variation in solar output between January and July does not have a significant effect on daily weather changes on the surface of the Earth. The variation in solar output influences temperature variations between land and water, which in turn affect pressure systems, wind patterns, and the movement of air masses. However, daily weather changes are also influenced by other factors such as local topography, proximity to water bodies, and the presence of weather systems like extra-tropical cyclones.
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Community Answer
The annual insolation received by the Earth in January is slightly mo...
In January, Earth is closer to Sun (perihelion) while in July, it experiences aphelion. But due to uneven distribution of land and sea in both hemispheres and air circulation, differences are evened out.
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The annual insolation received by the Earth in January is slightly more than the amount received in July. However, this variation in the solar output does not have a great effect on daily weather changes on the surface of the Earth. Which factors explain this? 1. Distribution of land2. Atmospheric circulation3. Extra-tropical cyclonesChoose the correct answer using the codes below:a) 1 and 2 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 3 onlyd) All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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The annual insolation received by the Earth in January is slightly more than the amount received in July. However, this variation in the solar output does not have a great effect on daily weather changes on the surface of the Earth. Which factors explain this? 1. Distribution of land2. Atmospheric circulation3. Extra-tropical cyclonesChoose the correct answer using the codes below:a) 1 and 2 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 3 onlyd) All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The annual insolation received by the Earth in January is slightly more than the amount received in July. However, this variation in the solar output does not have a great effect on daily weather changes on the surface of the Earth. Which factors explain this? 1. Distribution of land2. Atmospheric circulation3. Extra-tropical cyclonesChoose the correct answer using the codes below:a) 1 and 2 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 3 onlyd) All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The annual insolation received by the Earth in January is slightly more than the amount received in July. However, this variation in the solar output does not have a great effect on daily weather changes on the surface of the Earth. Which factors explain this? 1. Distribution of land2. Atmospheric circulation3. Extra-tropical cyclonesChoose the correct answer using the codes below:a) 1 and 2 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 3 onlyd) All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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