The incoming solar radiation received at the top of the atmosphere does not depend on latitude.

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The statement under consideration is about how much incoming solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere varies with latitude. 
Option 1: 'True' — This would claim that latitude has no effect on solar radiation reaching the top of the atmosphere. In reality, latitude does matter because the Sun’s rays strike the Earth at different angles depending on where you are. At higher latitudes, the Sun is lower in the sky, leading to a larger air path and less energy per unit area; at the equator, the Sun is more directly overhead, delivering more intense radiation per unit area. Additionally, latitude interacts with the seasonal tilt of the Earth's axis, changing insolation throughout the year. Therefore, this option is incorrect because the radiation does depend on latitude.
Option 2: 'False' — This asserts that latitude does influence the amount of solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere, which aligns with the physics of solar geometry. The variation arises from the solar zenith angle and atmospheric path length, both of which change with latitude and season, causing differences in insolation intensity across the globe. Since this explanation matches established understanding, this option correctly states that the original claim is false.
In summary, the claim that Latitude has no effect on incoming solar radiation is contradicted by the geometry of solar incidence and the axial tilt of the Earth, which cause insolation to vary with latitude and season.

CLMTGR5001_002_2025_3 - Dynamics of Climate Variability and Chan Quiz 4a Week 4 Lecture 1

The incoming solar radiation received at the top of the atmosphere does not depend on latitude.

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

The amount and composition of solar radiation reaching the outer edge of the earth’s atmosphere are quite unvarying and are called the...

As a result, the sunlight over the higher latitudes would be __ compared to near the Equator.

Incoming solar radiation received at the top of the atmosphere varies with latitude due to

How much solar energy is absorbed in Point Barrow, Alaska in the summer (when there is 100% open water off shore)?

How does solar radiation (per unit area) vary with increasing latitude?

What absorbs incoming solar radiation? [Select all that apply.]

What is the ultimate driver of the climate system?气候系统的最终驱动力是什么？

What is the ultimate driver of the climate system?气候系统的最终驱动力是什么？

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler