Chapter 20: Problem 7

Why do changes in atmospheric temperature depend on latitude and the seasons?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Changes in atmospheric temperature depend on latitude and the seasons due to the Earth's tilt, which influences the concentration and distribution of sunlight. The equator receives more direct sunlight, leading to higher temperatures at lower latitudes. In higher latitudes, sunlight is spread over a larger area, causing lower temperatures. Additionally, the Earth's tilt and orbit cause variations in direct sunlight received by different hemispheres, resulting in seasonal temperature fluctuations.

Step by step solution

Understanding Latitude

Latitude is the angular distance of a location on Earth's surface measured from the equator. The Earth can be divided into latitude lines that run horizontally (east to west). Latitude lines are measured in degrees, with the equator at 0° latitude and the poles at ±90° latitude.

Understanding the Earth's Tilt

The Earth is tilted on its axis by approximately 23.5°. This tilt is responsible for the variation in sunlight received at different latitudes and for the changing seasons. Throughout the year, as the Earth orbits the Sun, different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight due to this tilt.

Sunlight Concentration and Distribution

Sunlight is the primary source of heat for the Earth's atmosphere. The amount of sunlight received at a certain location and how concentrated that sunlight is will affect the atmospheric temperature. The Sun's rays are most concentrated near the equator, where they strike the Earth's surface most directly. This results in higher temperatures near the equator. In contrast, higher latitudes receive sunlight at more oblique angles, causing the energy to be spread out over a larger area and resulting in lower temperatures.

Latitude Effect on Temperature

Due to the Earth's curvature and tilt, sunlight hits the areas around the equator more directly than the areas towards the poles. This results in a more concentrated and intensified heating at lower latitudes, leading to higher temperatures. In higher latitudes, sunlight strikes the Earth at more oblique angles, spreading the energy over a larger area and causing lower temperatures.

The Seasons

Seasons are caused by the Earth's tilt and its orbit around the Sun. During different times of the year, different parts of the Earth face more or less sunlight due to the tilt. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it receives more direct sunlight, causing higher temperatures and the season of summer. Conversely, when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, the Northern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight, resulting in lower temperatures and the season of winter. This cyclic process of seasonal temperature change occurs due to the Earth's changing position relative to the Sun as it orbits.

Conclusion

Changes in atmospheric temperature depend on latitude and the seasons because of the Earth's tilt, which affects the concentration and distribution of sunlight across the Earth's surface. Areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight than areas near the poles, leading to higher temperatures at lower latitudes. Seasons change due to the Earth's tilt and orbit, causing variations in direct sunlight received by the different hemispheres and resulting in fluctuations of temperature throughout the year.

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Why do changes in atmospheric temperature depend on latitude and the seasons?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Latitude

Understanding the Earth's Tilt

Sunlight Concentration and Distribution

Latitude Effect on Temperature

The Seasons

Conclusion

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