1.3.1 The sun's rays entering the atmosphere is called (insolation/radiation). 1.3.2 Albedo refers to the amount of insolation (reflected/absorbed) by the earth's surface. 1.3.3 At the (equinoxes/equator), day and night are of equal length everywhere on Earth. 1.3.4 Temperature (increases/decreases) with altitude. 1.3.5 The thermal equator is further north in (December/June). 1.3.6 The atmosphere is heated more directly by (terrestrial radiation/solar radiation). 1.3.7 The amount of solar energy received at the surface of Earth is (lowest/greatest) when the sun is directly overhead at noon.

Did you know that the concept of insolation plays a pivotal role in climate science? Insolation is the incoming solar radiation that reaches the earth's surface, which varies based on geographic location, time of year, and atmospheric conditions. This energy not only influences weather patterns but also drives photosynthesis, supporting life on our planet! Albedo is like Earth's reflective personality! Different surfaces on Earth reflect different amounts of sunlight; for instance, snow has a high albedo, reflecting most of the insolation, while oceans have a low albedo, absorbing more energy. Understanding albedo helps climatologists predict warming trends and the overall health of our environment, making it crucial for tackling climate change!