Why do the poles receive less solar radiation than the equator?

The poles receive less solar radiation than the equator primarily due to the curvature of the Earth and the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth's surface. The main factors contributing to this difference in solar radiation are:

1. Earth's Tilted Axis:

• The Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. This axial tilt is approximately 23.5 degrees. As a result, different latitudes receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. Near the equator, where the axis is almost perpendicular to the Sun's rays, sunlight is more direct and concentrated.

2.Sun Angle and Path Length:

• Solar radiation travels through space in parallel rays, and the angle at which these rays strike the Earth's surface affects the intensity of sunlight. At the equator, sunlight strikes almost perpendicularly, covering a shorter path through the atmosphere. This results in more concentrated and direct sunlight, leading to higher solar radiation intensity.

3.Sun's Path Across the Sky:

• Near the poles, sunlight strikes at a lower angle, spreading over a larger area and traveling through a thicker portion of the Earth's atmosphere. This causes the sunlight to be more dispersed, leading to lower solar radiation intensity. Additionally, the polar regions experience more extreme seasonal variations due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, resulting in periods of continuous daylight during summer and continuous darkness during winter.

4.Daylight Duration:

• The poles receive sunlight at a lower angle for a longer duration during the day, especially during their respective summer seasons. However, this doesn't compensate for the reduced solar intensity due to the oblique angle of sunlight.

5.Seasonal Variations:

• Due to the axial tilt, the Sun's position in the sky varies with the seasons. During certain times of the year, one pole may be tilted toward the Sun (experiencing its summer), while the other pole is tilted away (experiencing its winter). This results in uneven distribution of solar radiation between the poles.