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Sunlight and infrared raditation (or heat) hits the poles at a much shallower angle than on any other position on Earth, and therefore is more likely to simply bounce off the atmosphere. On the other hand, on the equator, the sunlight is hitting the planet head-on, and is much less likely to bounce.

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12y ago
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6mo ago

The poles are colder than the equator because the angle of sunlight hitting the Earth's surface is more direct at the equator, leading to more concentrated solar energy and heat. In contrast, sunlight at the poles strikes at an angle, spreading the solar energy over a larger surface area and resulting in less heat. Additionally, the poles receive less sunlight overall due to their high latitude and tilt of the Earth's axis.

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16y ago

The first cause listed above refers to the temperature difference between night and day. The part of the planet that faces the sun heats up during the day as the earth rotates every 24 hours. Meanwhile, the other half loses heat during the night. Second, the spherical shape of the planet causes an unequal distribution of radiation. The sun's rays must penetrate a larger volume of the atmosphere at the poles (Point A) than at the equator (Point B). Consequently, more radiation is diffused by the atmosphere before it reaches the ground in higher latitudes.

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Q: Why are the poles colder than the equator?
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Are the oceans cold at the poles of the equator?

The oceans are colder at the poles compared to the equator. Near the poles, polar regions experience colder temperatures and often have sea ice present, while the equator receives direct sunlight and is warmer, leading to higher ocean temperatures.


If earth's axis wasn't tilted would the poles be colder than the equator?

No, they would not. The sun would reach the overhead point at the equator but would always be at the horizon at the poles.


How does a locations latitude determine how warm or cold it is?

The latitude can be thought of as the distance from the equator. 0 degrees latitude is the equator, which is typically warmer than locations closer than the poles. As you move away from the Equator and towards the North or South poles, the weather tends to be colder. In contrast, the region between the poles and the equator often has a greater temperature range variation.


What effect do global winds have on climate?

Global winds drive heated air from the equator to the poles. It also drives colder air from the poles to the equator.


Why continents far from equator colder than countries near the equator?

s far at the equator colder than contries near the equator


The difference in temperature between the equator and poles?

The temperature difference between the equator and poles is mainly due to the Earth's tilt and curvature. The equator receives more direct sunlight year-round, leading to warmer temperatures, while the poles receive less direct sunlight, leading to colder temperatures. This temperature difference drives atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, influencing global climate.


Which what is latitude?

Latitude is the curvature of the Earth where it is hotter on the equator and it gets colder nearer the poles.


What is one reason why it is colder at the poles and warmer at the equator?

The angle at which solar radiation hits the Earth is more direct at the equator, leading to more concentrated heat and warmer temperatures. In contrast, at the poles, sunlight strikes at a shallower angle, spreading the solar energy over a larger area and resulting in colder temperatures.


Which one is hotter the Equator or the Poles?

On our Earth, the Equator is comparatively warmer than either of the Poles.


Do winds and currents flow faster at the equator than at the poles or more slowly?

Winds and currents flow faster at the equator compared to the poles. This is due to the Coriolis effect caused by the Earth's rotation, which deflects winds and currents, making them stronger at the equator where the effect is minimized. At the poles, the Coriolis effect is strongest, resulting in slower winds and currents.


Is centrifugal force is more at equator than poles?

No, centrifugal force is greater at the poles than at the equator because the Earth's rotation causes a bulging effect at the equator that counteracts the centrifugal force. This is why objects weigh slightly less at the equator compared to the poles.


The air above the poles is?

colder than at the equator due to the angle of sunlight hitting the poles, causing denser air to sink and accumulate. This results in high atmospheric pressure and lower temperatures.