As the angle of insolation increases, what happens to temperature?

When the angle of insolation increases, the temperature typically increases as well. Insolation refers to the amount of solar radiation reaching a given area, and the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth significantly influences how much energy is absorbed by the surface.

At higher angles, the sunlight is more direct and concentrated over a smaller area, leading to greater energy absorption and, subsequently, higher temperatures. Conversely, when the angle of insolation is lower, such as during sunrise or sunset, sunlight strikes the surface at a more oblique angle, dispersing the energy over a larger area and reducing the amount of heat absorbed, which can contribute to cooler temperatures.

Therefore, an increasing angle of insolation corresponds to increased solar energy reaching the surface, driving up temperatures in that area. This fundamental principle applies to various weather patterns and climatic conditions, evidenced by the seasonal variations experienced in different latitudes as the Earth orbits the Sun.