The uneven distribution of insolation at the thermopause is caused by Earth's curvature, with only the subsolar point receiving sunlight from directly overhead.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Due to Earth's curvature and the tilt of its axis, only the point directly under the sun (i.e. the subsolar point) receives insolation from directly overhead. The further away from the subsolar point a location is, the more oblique the angle at which sunlight reaches it, leading to an uneven distribution of insolation at the thermopause.

The Uneven Distribution of Insolation at the Thermopause Is Caused