QuestionClimatology / insolation
Insolation percentage received on Pole as compared to Equator is approximately:
- (a) 42 percent.
- (b) 68 percent.
- (c) 33 percent.
- (d) 47 percent.
Answer: (a) 42 percent.
Insolation falls with latitude because the sun's rays are more oblique and pass through more air. Annual insolation at the poles is roughly 40% of the equator's (texts quote ~42%). Remember: equator gets the maximum annual total.