The higher latitudes receive much less intense insolation than tropical zones because of differences in ________.
A) albedo
B) the Sun's angle of incidence
C) greenhouse effect
D) ocean's specific heat
E) water's transmissivity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The higher latitudes receive much less intense insolation because of differences in the Sun's angle of incidence. At the higher latitudes, the Sun's rays pass through more of Earth's atmosphere and therefore the angle of incidence becomes oblique, spreading the incoming energy over a larger surface area. This results in less intense insolation per unit of surface area compared to the more direct and concentrated insolation at the tropical zones.

The Higher Latitudes Receive Much Less Intense Insolation Than Tropical