Insolation

noun

/ˌɪnsəˈleɪʃən/

The amount of incoming solar radiation received per unit area at the Earth's surface or at the top of the atmosphere over a given period of time.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Any credible roadmap for India's energy transition must capitalise on the country's abundant insolation, for the high solar radiation across the Thar and the Deccan endows the nation with a comparative advantage that prudent policy can convert into energy security.

Synonyms

solar radiationsolar irradiancesunlightsolar energysolar exposureirradiance

Antonyms

shadeshadowoccultationdarkness

🌱 Word Family

insolate (v), insolated (adj), solar (adj, cognate), solstice (n, related)

🔡 Root

Latin insōlātiō = exposure to the sun; in- = in, upon; sōl = sun

📜 Etymology

From Latin insōlātiō, from insōlāre ("to expose to the sun"), from in- ("in, upon") + sōl ("sun").

🧠 Memory Hook

Insolation = "IN comes the SOL (Latin sol = sun)" — the sun's energy coming IN to the Earth. Do not confuse with isolation, which has no 'n' after the 's'.

🌍 Geography 📖 Seen in: Atmosphere, Climatology & Pressure Bel...

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