Why is solar energy unevenly distributed throughout the world?
A. The amount of sunlight a place receives depends on the oil and minerals found there
B. The amount of sunlight a place receives depends on the number of trees there are
C. The amount of sunlight a place receives depends on the speed of wind there
D. The amount of sunlight a place receives depends on it's location on earth and the season
D. The amount of sunlight a place receives depends on its location on earth and the season.
Solar energy is unevenly distributed throughout the world primarily because of the Earth's shape, axial tilt, and rotation. Different latitudes receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year due to the angle at which the sunlight strikes the Earth's surface. The closer a location is to the equator, the more direct sunlight it receives, resulting in higher solar energy potential. Conversely, areas closer to the poles receive less direct sunlight and have lower solar energy potential.
Additionally, the changing seasons affect the amount of sunlight received. In regions near the equator, where the variation in daylight hours is relatively small, there is a more consistent and abundant supply of solar energy year-round. However, as you move towards the poles, the duration of daylight varies significantly between summer and winter seasons, resulting in fluctuations in solar energy availability.
Other factors, such as cloud cover, atmospheric conditions, and topography, can also influence the distribution of solar energy in specific regions, making it further unevenly distributed throughout the world.