This presentation reviews the impact the curvature of the Earth has on the distribution of incoming solar radiation, or insolation.

1. The Uneven
Distribution of
Insolation
Intro to Physical Geography
Chapter 2

2. Distribution of Insolation
 The places where the sun is perpendicular, or overhead, is
the subsolar point
 All other places receive diffuse insolation
 Insolation: incoming solar radiation.
 Tropics receive more concentrated insolation due to
Earth’s curvature
 2.5× more insolation than poles!

4. Daily Insolation Receipts at Four
Locations

5. Daily Energy Receipts

6. Daily Energy Receipts

7. Daily Energy Reciepts

8. Daily Net Radiation (Energy)