answersLogoWhite

0

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

MaxineMaxine
I respect you enough to keep it real.
Chat with Maxine
RafaRafa
There's no fun in playing it safe. Why not try something a little unhinged?
Chat with Rafa
EzraEzra
Faith is not about having all the answers, but learning to ask the right questions.
Chat with Ezra
More answers

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.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

11mo ago
User Avatar

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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why are the poles colder than the equator?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences