AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Solar Radiation and Earth's Seasons
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
What two factors determine the amount of insolation the Earth receives?
The amount of incoming solar radiation (insolation) is dependent on season and latitude.
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What two factors determine the amount of insolation the Earth receives?
The amount of incoming solar radiation (insolation) is dependent on season and latitude.
What is incoming solar radiation (insolation)?
Insolation is the Earth's main source of energy, and the amount received is dependent on season and latitude.
Why does the amount of solar radiation received at one location vary seasonally?
Due to the tilt of Earth's axis, a location's orientation toward the sun changes throughout the year, causing seasonal variation in solar radiation.
Solar Radiation Intensity
The intensity of solar radiation is determined by the angle of the sun's rays, with the most intensity occurring where the rays are directly horizontal to the surface.
Where on Earth is the highest solar radiation per unit area received?
The highest solar radiation per unit area is received at the equator and it decreases toward the poles.
What determines the number of hours of daylight in a particular location?
The tilt of Earth's axis of rotation causes the number of hours of daylight in a particular location on the Earth's surface.
What single feature of Earth's rotation is responsible for both seasons and varying daylight hours?
The tilt of Earth's axis of rotation is the single feature that causes both the Earth's seasons and the varying number of daylight hours at a location.
During which part of the year does a specific location on Earth receive the most solar radiation?
A location receives the most solar radiation during its longest summer day.
What is the overall effect of the sun's energy on Earth?
The sun's energy, through incoming solar radiation, affects the Earth's surface and is the planet's main source of energy.
Describe the relationship between latitude and the intensity of solar radiation.
The highest solar radiation per unit area is at the equator (lowest latitude) and it decreases as latitude increases toward the poles.
What is the primary cause of Earth's seasons?
The tilt of Earth's axis of rotation causes the Earth's seasons.
If a city is located at a latitude that is directly horizontal to the sun's rays on a given day, what can be concluded about the insolation it receives?
That city is receiving the most intense solar radiation possible because the sun's rays are hitting it at a direct angle.
How does the angle of the sun's rays affect the intensity of solar radiation?
The angle of the sun's rays determines the intensity of solar radiation; the latitude directly horizontal to the rays receives the most intensity.
When does a location on Earth's surface receive the least amount of solar radiation?
A location receives the least solar radiation on its shortest winter day.