Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
1. The heat balance of the planet, driven by solar and terrestrial energy flows, is paramount in creating and maintaining Earth’s habitable conditions. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain the concept of heat balance and its importance.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define the concept of heat budget in brief.
Body:
First write about that the sun is continuously radiating energy, the earth as a whole does not accumulate or lose heat. It maintains its temperature. This is popularly known as heat budget or heat balance of the earth. This can happen only if the amount of heat received in the form of insulation is equal to the amount lost by the earth in the form of terrestrial radiation.
Next, briefly explain the different ways of heating and cooling of the atmosphere.
Next, mention the how the heat balancing makes the life possible on earth.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the importance of heat balancing.
