insolation

USAGE SUMMARY

"insolation" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is a noun that references the amount of solar radiation that reaches the atmosphere and earth's surface. For example, "Insolation levels were especially low this summer, resulting in smaller crop yields than usual."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Because they operate on different timescales, the parameters affect climate by interacting in a manner that sometimes increases and sometimes decreases the insolation at a particular location.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Plants utilize CO2, water, and solar insolation to convert CO2 to diatomic oxygen (O2).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The relative contributions of each process depend on the wind, temperature, and moisture structure in the atmosphere immediately above the surface, the intensity of solar insolation, and the physical characteristics of the surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The temperature of the atmosphere and surface is influenced by electromagnetic radiation, and this radiation is traditionally divided into two types: insolation from the Sun and emittance from the surface and the atmosphere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the Sun's rays strike the water surface at an oblique angle, albedo may be higher than 0.85; if these rays are more direct, only a small portion, perhaps as low as 0.02, is reflected, while the rest of the insolation is scattered within the water column and absorbed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The heating by solar radiation in water is distributed through a depth, which results in smaller temperature changes at the surface of the water than would occur with the same insolation over an equal area of land.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shortwave radiation penetrates a volume of water to significant depths (up to several hundred metres) before the insolation is completely attenuated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the Northern Hemisphere north of 23°30′, for example, solar insolation at local noon is less on slopes facing the north than on land oriented toward the south.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The increased insolation, reduced humidity, and desiccating winds contribute greatly to water loss in the lake.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In water, the thermal conductivity is relatively unimportant, since, in contrast to land surfaces, insolation extends to substantial depths in the water; in addition, water can be mixed vertically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We show that two processes of atmospheric forcing an increasing occurrence of La Niña events and rising levels of summer insolation had a stronger influence during the late Holocene than oceanic processes driven by southern westerly winds and upwelling of upper Circumpolar Deepwater.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, specify the units in which "insolation" is measured (e.g., watts per square meter) to provide clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "insolation" interchangeably with terms like "sunlight" or "solar energy". "Insolation" refers specifically to the measure of solar radiation received per unit area, while the others are more general.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "insolation" is as a noun. It refers to the incident solar radiation that reaches a specific area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid term and the examples provided demonstrate its use in contexts related to climate science, geography, and energy studies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

52%

News & Media

33%

Science

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insolation" is a grammatically correct noun referring to the amount of solar radiation reaching a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its common usage in encyclopedias, news, and scientific contexts underscores its importance in discussions about climate, energy, and geography. While related to terms like "solar radiation" and "solar energy", "insolation" is more specific, denoting a measurable quantity. It’s crucial to specify units of measure for clarity and avoid confusing it with broader concepts of solar energy. Remember to employ it to express the idea of the measure of solar radiation received in a specific area.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solar radiation

Focuses on the radiative energy emitted by the sun, similar to insolation's focus on incoming solar energy.

solar irradiance

Refers to the power of solar radiation per unit area, quantifying the amount of solar energy received.

solar energy input

Emphasizes the aspect of energy being received from the sun.

incoming solar flux

Describes the rate of flow of solar energy towards a surface.

sun's radiative output

Highlights the sun as the source of the radiation.

solar heat

Simplifies the concept to the thermal energy received from the sun.

sun exposure

Relates to the duration and intensity of sunlight received.

radiant energy from the sun

Specifies the form of energy and its origin.

solar influx

Highlights the flow or arrival of solar energy.

solar gain

Focuses on the amount of solar energy collected or absorbed.

FAQs

How is "insolation" measured?

"Insolation" is typically measured in watts per square meter (W/m²) and represents the amount of solar radiation received on a given surface area over a specific period.

What factors affect the amount of "insolation" a location receives?

Several factors influence "insolation" levels, including latitude, time of year, cloud cover, and atmospheric conditions. Orbital variations, like those described by Milankovitch cycles, also play a significant role.

How does "insolation" relate to climate change?

Changes in "insolation" patterns, driven by orbital variations, can influence global temperatures and contribute to long-term climate shifts. These changes interact with other climate factors, such as greenhouse gas concentrations, to determine overall climate conditions.

What are some alternative ways to refer to "insolation"?

You can use alternatives like "solar radiation", "solar irradiance", or "incoming solar flux" to describe the concept of received solar energy. The specific term will depend on the context and the aspect you want to emphasize. Check "solar radiation","solar irradiance", or "incoming solar flux".