Which one of the following is the most important factor that influences the distribution of temperature on the earth?

The correct answer is insolation.

The concept of Insolation:

• Insolation is the most important factor that influences the distribution of temperature on the earth.
• Insolation is the solar radiation that reaches the earth's surface.
• It is measured by the amount of solar energy received per square centimeter per minute.
• The factor that determines the amount of insolation received is the angle of inclination of the rays.
• This depends on the latitude of a place.
• The higher the latitude the less is the angle they make with the surface of the earth resulting in slant sun rays.
• The area covered by vertical rays is always less than the slant rays.

Additional Information

Solar radiation:

• Solar radiation often called the solar resource, is a general term for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun.
• Solar radiation can be captured and turned into useful forms of energy, such as heat and electricity, using a variety of technologies.

Terrestrial radiation:

• It refers to sources of radiation that are in the soil, water, and vegetation.
• The major isotopes of concern for terrestrial radiation are potassium, uranium, and the decay products of uranium, such as thorium, radium, and radon.

Distance from the sea:

• Oceans heat up and cool down much more slowly than land.
• This means that coastal locations tend to be cooler in summer and warmer in winter than places inland at the same latitude and altitude.