EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Both polar regions of the earth are cold, primarily because they receive far less solar radiation than the tropics and mid-latitudes do. At either pole the sun never rises more than 23.5 degrees above the horizon and both locations experience six months of continuous darkness.

Detailed explanation-2: -When the sun’s rays strike Earth’s surface near the equator, the incoming solar radiation is more direct (nearly perpendicular or closer to a 90˚ angle). Therefore, the solar radiation is concentrated over a smaller surface area, causing warmer temperatures.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Equator receives comparatively less insolation due to the presence of clouds. The insolation is greater over the continent than over the oceans at the same latitude. This is because more clouds over the oceans reflect sun rays into space.

Detailed explanation-4: -Near the equator, the Sun’s rays strike the Earth most directly, while at the poles the rays strike at a steep angle. This means that less solar radiation is absorbed per square cm (or inch) of surface area at higher latitudes than at lower latitudes, and that the tropics are warmer than the poles.