Differences In Global Temperature - Climate Zones Of The World - BBC

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Differences in global temperature

Why is it hot at the Equator and cold at the poles?

The diagram below helps to explain why the poles are colder than the Equator.

Solar energy is spread out differently depending on how close you are to the equator
Figure caption, The sun's rays hit the Equator more directly and spread over a smaller surface area than at the poles

Why is it hot at the Equator and cold at the poles?

  • Sunlight hits the Earth most directly at the Equator. The curve of the Earth means that sunlight is spread over a wider area the further you move from the Equator. Sunlight hits a smaller surface area at the Equator so heats up quickly compared to the poles.
  • There is less atmosphere to pass through at the Equator compared to the poles. This means more heat from the sun makes it to the surface of the Earth.
  • The changing tilt of the Earth means that the Equator faces the sun all year round whereas the poles can be darkness for six months of the year. This keeps the Equator's temperatuer high all year round. The temperature at the poles changes between summer and winter.

This results in different climate zones in different parts of the Earth:

  • Tundra regions located at the poles are cold for the majority of the year.
  • Deserts located around the Equator are hot all year round.
  • Tropical rainforests are located between the tropics so are hot and humid
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