In the band between 35°N and 35°S, does incoming insolation exceed outgoing radiation?

• A. Outgoing radiation exceeds incoming insolation
• B. Incoming insolation exceeds outgoing radiation
• C. They are equal
• D. No energy transfer occurs

Answer: (B)

In this band near the equator, the Sun shines more directly for most of the year and day length changes little, so a large amount of solar energy reaches and is absorbed at the surface. The Earth then radiates energy back to space as longwave radiation, but even with atmospheric effects like clouds and water vapor trapping some heat, the amount of incoming solar energy generally exceeds what is emitted locally. That creates a net energy surplus in the tropics, fueling strong convection and rainfall and driving heat transfer toward higher latitudes through atmospheric and ocean circulation. So, the tropical belt typically has more incoming insolation than outgoing radiation.