Solar Radiation, Heat Balance & Temperature - 1 - Free MCQ Practice Test

There is a surplus of net radiation balance between 40 degrees north and south and the regions near the poles have a deficit. The surplus heat energy from the tropics is redistributed pole wards and as a result the tropics do not get progressively heated up due to the accumulation of excess heat or the high latitudes get permanently frozen due to excess deficit.

The effects of absorption by the atmosphere are eliminated by finding the value of the solar constant at various altitudes of the sun on the same day.

This energy heats up the atmosphere from below.

The earth radiates energy to the atmosphere in long wave form. This process is known as terrestrial radiation. The key points are:

• The energy heats the atmosphere from below.
• Long wave radiation is absorbed by atmospheric gases, especially carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
• This absorption indirectly heats the atmosphere.
• The atmosphere then radiates and transmits heat back to space.
• This process helps maintain a constant temperature on the earth's surface.

In summer (March to September), in the northern hemisphere, as we move northwards, the length of the day increases. But in winter (September to March) the length of the night increases as we move northwards. since Chandigarh is northernmost among the options

The energy received by the earth is known as incoming solar radiation, which in short is termed as insolation.

Atmosphere is a mixture of different gases and it envelopes the earth all round. It contains life-giving gases like oxygen for humans and animals and carbon dioxide for plants.

Pressure differences cause winds.

These differences in pressure lead to:

• Movement of air: Air moves from high to low pressure areas.
• Formation of winds: This movement creates various wind patterns.
• Impact on weather: Winds influence temperature and precipitation.

In summary, pressure differences are the primary driver of wind formation.

The sun can be directly overhead on June 21st when it is at the Tropic of Cancer, which is 23.5 degrees north of the equator. Similarly, the sun is only directly overhead at the winters solstice for locations on the Tropic of Capricorn, 23.5 degrees south of the equator. On the euqinoxes, both spring and autumn, the sun is only directly overhead at the equator.

Sub-tropical deserts receive maximum amount of insolation because cloudiness is the least there.

Isotherms are lines that connect places with the same temperature. They help us understand temperature distribution across different regions.

Key points about isotherms:

• They indicate areas of equal temperature.
• In January, isotherms show significant temperature variations, especially in the northern hemisphere.
• In the southern hemisphere, isotherms are generally more parallel to latitudes.
• Temperature decreases sharply over land, causing isotherms to bend towards the south in Europe.
• Regions influenced by warm ocean currents experience higher temperatures.

For example, the mean January temperature at 60° E longitude is around -20°C at both 80° N and 50° N latitudes. In contrast, equatorial oceans can exceed 27°C.