Question

What is the difference between insolation and Terrestrial radiation?

Answer 1

Hint: Insolation is derived from the "incoming solar radiation". The origin of both the processes, insolation and radiation is the Sun.

Complete Step by Step Answer: The input energy that is received in the form of short-wave solar energy is called insolation. . It is measured as the amount of solar energy received per square centimetre per minute. It is received in the Earth's atmosphere or on the surface of the Earth.
Nearly, 52% of the insolation reaches the earth's surface and the rest of the insolation is absorbed by clouds, water vapour or reflected by the surface of the Earth.
This reflection is called albedo. The reflected heat trapped in our atmosphere in the form of long-wave radiation is known as the natural greenhouse effect. The factors affecting Insolation are:
1.Solar constant.
2.The angle of incidence of the sun's rays.
3.Duration of the day.
4.The distance of the Earth from the Sun.
5.Transparency of the atmosphere
The portion of the natural radiation which is emitted by the naturally occurring radioactive materials in the earth, such as uranium, thorium, and radon is known as Terrestrial Radiation. It occurs mainly due to Solar radiation. The factors affecting terrestrial radiation are:
1.Solar elevation
2.Solar altitude
3.Surface reflection
4.Aerosols and air pollution
During the daytime, there is a net gain of energy while in the night, there is a net loss in energy due to the absence of the Sun. Therefore, Terrestrial radiation mostly occurs at night.
The major isotopes of terrestrial radiation are uranium and its decay products such as thorium, radium, and radon. Radon is the largest natural source of radiation.

Note: Both the processes, insolation and terrestrial radiation are related to each other. The emission of energy from the sun is known as solar radiation whereas radiation from the earth is called terrestrial radiation. Don't get confused with the processes while answering.