What happens to the atmosphere during an absence of insolation?

The correct answer indicates that during an absence of insolation, the atmosphere cools. Insolation, or incoming solar radiation, is a fundamental driver of atmospheric temperature. When solar energy is not reaching the surface, there is a reduction in the heating processes that normally warm the air in the lower atmosphere.

In the absence of solar heating, several things occur. The ground loses heat through processes such as radiation and conduction, leading to a decrease in temperature. This cooling affects the air in contact with the surface and can cause the temperature to drop significantly, particularly during night hours or cloudy days when insolation is minimal.

Over time, this cooling of the lower layers of the atmosphere can influence weather patterns and may lead to stable conditions, despite not necessarily creating instability. Such atmospheric cooling can result in phenomena like fog, as the temperature drops and humidity levels increase. As air cools, it can also lead to denser air masses, impacting wind patterns and local weather conditions.

Thus, cooling in the absence of insolation is a natural response of the atmosphere to a lack of solar energy, which is crucial for maintaining the thermal balance of Earth.