Spatial Distribution of Insolation: UPSC Mind Map

Key Concepts in this Mind Map

• Spatial Distribution of Insolation
• - Definition
• - Incoming Solar Radiation
• - Reaching Earth's surface
• - Energy from the Sun
• - Key Factors Affecting Distribution
• - Latitude
• - Angle of Incidence (Solar Altitude)
• - Perpendicular at equator (max heat)
• - Oblique at poles (less heat, spread over larger area)
• - Length of Day
• - Longer days = more insolation
• - Varies seasonally with latitude (e.g., polar day/night)
• - Atmospheric Transparency
• - Cloud cover (reflects/absorbs)
• - Dust particles (scatters/absorbs)
• - Water vapor (absorbs)
• - Seasonality (Earth's Tilt - 23.5°)
• - Tropic of Cancer (June Solstice)
• - Tropic of Capricorn (Dec Solstice)
• - Equinoxes (Equator)
• - Land and Water Distribution
• - Land heats/cools faster (lower specific heat)
• - Water heats/cools slower (higher specific heat)