The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. Why do changes in atmospheric temperature depend on latitude and the seasons? (C)

Latitude refers to the angular distance of a location north or south of the Earth's equator, measured in degrees. Latitude is important in determining the atmospheric temperature since the amount of solar radiation received by a location depends on its latitude.

The Earth's axis is tilted approximately 23.5 degrees from the vertical, meaning that the Earth's equator is closer to the Sun than areas closer to the poles. As a result, the equator receives more direct sunlight throughout the year compared to areas farther away from the equator, like the poles. Due to the curvature of the Earth, sunlight strikes areas at higher latitudes at a steeper angle, which results in solar radiation being spread over a larger area. Consequently, higher latitude areas receive less solar radiation per unit area and have lower atmospheric temperatures.

Seasons are primarily determined by the tilt of the Earth's axis of rotation relative to its orbit around the Sun. At different points during the year, either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, causing that hemisphere to receive more direct sunlight and experience warmer temperatures. The other hemisphere, meanwhile, experiences cooler temperatures as it is tilted away from the Sun and receiving less direct sunlight.

Due to the Earth's tilt and its position in its orbit around the sun, different latitudes receive varying amounts of solar radiation at different times of the year, which causes the change in atmospheric temperature across the seasons. For example, during the summer solstice, the hemisphere that is tilted towards the Sun will have its highest angle of solar radiation, creating warmer temperatures. In contrast, during the winter solstice, the hemisphere tilted away from the Sun will have its lowest angle of solar radiation, resulting in colder temperatures. In conclusion, changes in atmospheric temperature depend on latitude and seasons because these factors determine the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth's surface and the amount of solar radiation received by different locations. As latitude increases, the amount of solar radiation received decreases, leading to lower atmospheric temperatures. Additionally, as the Earth orbits the sun, the amount of solar radiation received by different latitudes changes, causing temperature fluctuations throughout the year with each season.