Question

Distinguish between Insolation and Terrestrial radiation.

Answer 1

Hint: Sun is the chief source of energy for us. Solar energy is a power source for plants, animals, humans, weather and climate. The energy that we receive from the sun is called solar radiation.

Complete Step by Step answer: Insolation is the process by which the solar radiation is intercepted by the earth. It is a measure of the solar energy that is incident on the surface of the earth for a particular set of time. Terrestrial radiation is defined as the radiation that goes back to the atmosphere and the space.
Insolation travels in short waves. Terrestrial radiation occurs through long waves. 51 units out of 100 units of solar radiation are involved in isolation. In Terrestrial radiation 34 units are transferred to the atmosphere and 17 units go back to space. Insolation is measured by the amount of solar energy received per square centimetre per minute. Terrestrial radiation is measured using the Precision Infrared Radiometer.
Insolation which is received on the earth’s surface is not uniform . It is maximum in the tropical regions and minimum towards the poles. There are several factors that affect Insolation. They are: solar constant, angle of incidence of sun’s rays, duration of the day and others. The factors which affect Terrestrial radiation are surface reflection, solar elevation, aerosols, air pollution etc.

Note: While writing the answer do not get confused between solar radiation and heat balance, Insolation and heat budget or temperature. All the differences must be clearly noted.