Question:

Under Indian conditions, ____aspects are exposed to greater amount of insolation.

Show Hint

Hottest Aspect = South-West (Evening sun + hot air).
Coolest Aspect = North-East (Morning sun only + shaded for most of the day). This heavily influences where you plant specific species in hilly terrain.
  • South Western
  • North Eastern
  • Southern
  • Northern
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
"Aspect" refers to the compass direction that a slope faces. "Insolation" refers to incoming solar radiation. The question asks which direction in India receives the maximum heat and light from the sun.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Solar Geometry: India is in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun remains to the south of the zenith for most of the year. Therefore, Southern aspects are generally warmer than Northern aspects.

Why South-Western? While the Southern aspect receives the most midday sun, the South-Western aspect receives intense sunlight during the afternoon.

Cumulative Effect: During the afternoon, the ambient air temperature is already high. The addition of direct solar radiation makes the South-Western slopes the hottest and driest. These are known as "hot" aspects.

Silvicultural Impact: On South-Western aspects, evaporation and transpiration rates are extreme. Soil moisture is often low, making it difficult to establish sensitive tree species. Hardier, drought-resistant species are usually found here. In contrast, Northern and North-Eastern aspects are "cool" and moist, supporting more lush vegetation.

Step 3: Final Answer:

In India, the South Western aspects are exposed to the highest amount of insolation and heat.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top ICAR AIEEA Forestry Agroforestry Silviculture Questions

View More Questions