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Chapter 2: Problem 1

Why does the equator receive more solar radiation than the polar regions? What is the consequence of latitudinal patterns of temperature?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The equator receives more solar radiation than the polar regions due to the Earth's axial tilt, which results in direct sunlight and a higher concentration of solar energy at the equator. In contrast, the polar regions receive sunlight at a more oblique angle, causing a lower concentration of solar energy and lower temperatures. This temperature difference between the equator and polar regions leads to distinct climate zones, heat distribution through atmospheric circulation and ocean currents, and the formation of ocean currents that redistribute heat across the Earth's surface.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Earth's Axial Tilt

The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This means that, during its orbit, different parts of Earth receive different amounts of sunlight at different times, and it also causes differences in the concentration of sunlight over different latitudes.
02

Discuss the Solar Radiation Received by the Equator

Due to the Earth's axial tilt, the equator gets more direct sunlight than the polar regions. This means that solar energy is more concentrated at the equator, leading to higher temperatures in this region. The direct sunlight at the equator also causes more solar radiation to be absorbed by Earth's surface, further increasing the temperature.
03

Discuss the Solar Radiation Received by Polar Regions

The polar regions, on the other hand, receive sunlight at a more oblique angle due to the Earth's axial tilt. This causes the sunlight to be spread over a larger area, reducing the concentration of solar energy and leading to lower temperatures in the polar regions. Moreover, a higher proportion of sunlight gets reflected off the Earth's surface in the polar regions due to the albedo effect, which is caused by the presence of ice and snow.
04

Explain the Heat Distribution

The temperature difference between the equator and the polar regions creates a temperature gradient, which drives heat distribution across the planet. This heat distribution mainly occurs through atmospheric circulation and ocean currents.
05

Consequence - Climate Zones

The differences in solar radiation across latitudes lead to the formation of distinct climate zones that run parallel to the equator. The warmest regions are near the equator and are characterized by tropical climates, whereas the polar regions experience colder, polar climates. In between, there are temperate climate zones.
06

Consequence - Ocean Currents

The distribution of temperature across latitudes influences the formation of ocean currents. Due to the temperature gradient between the equator and polar regions, oceans circulate warm water from the equator towards the poles and cold water from the poles towards the equator. These ocean currents play a key role in redistributing heat across the Earth's surface and maintaining a relatively stable climate system.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the greenhouse effect, and how does it influence the energy balance (and temperature) of Earth?

The \(23.5^{\circ}\) tilt of Earth on its north-south axis gives rise to the seasons (review Figure 2.5 ). How would the pattern of seasons differ if the Earth's tilt were \(90^{\circ}\) ? How would this influence the diurnal (night- day) cycle?

Why are the coastal waters of the southeastern United States warmer than the coastal waters off the southwestern coast? (Assume the same latitude.)

What is the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), and why does it give rise to a distinct pattern of seasonality in precipitation in the tropical zone?

What feature of global atmospheric circulation gives rise to the desert zones of the midlatitudes?
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