insolation?

Question

How does insolation affect the atmosphere?

Answer 1

To answer your question ... it doesn't. The presence of atmosphere affects insolation.

Insolation is a measure of solar radiation power incident on a surface. The surface may be a planet or a terrestrial object inside the atmosphere, or any object exposed to solar rays including spacecraft. It may result in radiant heating of the object, or reflection, depending on the object's reflectivity or albedo.

The rate of insolation above the earth's atmosphere in outer space, is also called the solar constant, although it does vary slightly with the Sun's activity. The solar constant is close to 1350 watts per square meter. The radiant power is distributed across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, although most of the power is in the visible light portion of the spectrum. The Sun's rays are attenuated as they pass though the atmosphere, thus reducing the insolation at the Earth's surface. The midday insolation on clear days in temperate latitudes may be estimated as 1000 watts per square meter (angled toward the Sun). The actual figure varies with the Sun angle at different times of year, according to the distance the Sunlight travels through the air), and depending on the extent of atmospheric haze and cloud cover. Long-term time-averaged insolation in Sunny locations is closer to 250 watts per square meter, taking into account the lower insolation in early morning and evening, and the presence of night.