Insolation, an acronym for INcoming SOLAr radiATION, refers to the amount of solar radiation received by the Earth's surface. It is the primary energy source driving Earth's climate system. Insolation is measured in units of energy per unit area per unit time (e.g., watts per square meter). Factors influencing insolation include the angle of the sun's rays, duration of daylight, atmospheric transparency, and distance from the sun. It is essentially the cause or input of energy.

Temperature, on the other hand, is a measure of the degree of hotness or coldness of a substance or environment. It reflects the average kinetic energy of the molecules within a substance. Temperature is an effect of insolation, as the absorption of solar radiation by the Earth's surface and atmosphere leads to an increase in molecular motion, thus raising the temperature. It is measured in degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin.

The key difference is that insolation is the energy received, while temperature is the thermal state resulting from the absorption and redistribution of that energy. Insolation is a direct energy flux, whereas temperature is a property of matter.

Anomalous temperature refers to a significant deviation from the average or expected temperature for a particular location and time of year. A positive temperature anomaly indicates that the observed temperature is warmer than the long-term average, while a negative anomaly means it is colder. These anomalies can occur over various timescales, from daily to decadal or longer. They are often caused by large-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), or Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), which redistribute heat globally. Volcanic eruptions, changes in solar activity, and increasingly, anthropogenic climate change, can also lead to anomalous temperatures by altering the Earth's energy balance. Understanding temperature anomalies is crucial for climate monitoring and predicting future climate trends.