What term describes the flow of incoming solar radiation?

The term that describes the flow of incoming solar radiation is insolation. Insolation refers specifically to the amount of solar radiation energy received on a given surface area during a given time. It is a crucial concept in physical geography as it influences various atmospheric processes, climate conditions, and the overall energy balance of the Earth.

Insolation is determined by factors such as the angle of the sun's rays, atmospheric conditions, and the time of year. Understanding insolation is vital for studying climate patterns, weather changes, and the distribution of ecosystems since it directly impacts temperature, precipitation, and other aspects of the environment.

Other terms in the list, such as albedo, refer to the reflectivity of a surface (how much solar radiation is reflected away), while radiation can refer to the transfer of energy in various forms including heat and light. Insulation, although it sounds similar, typically refers to the practice of insulating a structure to control heat transfer, rather than the process of solar radiation flow itself. This is why insolation is the most accurate term for this concept.