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The answer to this question involves the angle at which solar radiation is intercepted by the earth’s atmosphere. The rule is that if solar radiation is incident perpendicular to the atmosphere the solar radiation that is incident on the earth’s surface will be greatest. Incoming solar radiation at the poles comes in at a sharper angle and is spread over a greater surface area of atmosphere than at the equator. In this way, the poles have more of an atmospheric filter and experience less radiation per area time and hence have lower average temperatures.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoBecause for 6 months of the year they are in darkness and when it is daylight the sunlight only impinges on the ground at a very oblique angle. In other words they do not receive as much sun energy (heat) as the equatorial regions.
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoA team of international scientists has been researching this! Led by Antoni Rosell, a researcher for the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and Gerald H. Haug of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (Germany), the team has discovered the mechanism that set off the accumulation of ice in the Arctic for 2.7 million years.
First, there was a 7ºC (13ºF) increase in the difference between summer and winter temperatures. This change occurred within just a few centuries. But second, they found this was caused by a change in how the oceans mixed its waters. There was more freshwater added, and the water did not mix together with the salty water. So oceans had a top layer of mostly fresh water, and layers of salt water below weren't moving very much, especially during the summer. But in winter, the waters mixed more.
ALL of that is important in the Earth's water cycle. In summers, fresh water heats up more. Water evaporates into the air. This returns to earth as rain, ice, and snow. This moisture or precipitation then collects in streams and rivers, and travels back to the seas and oceans. This water cycle, starting with evaporation from the sea, can cause significant changes to the climate. It also causes more intense glacial cycles and a general cooling of the planet's temperatures.
So, since there was more freshwater in the top layer of the ocean 2.7 million years ago, the Earth had more rain; the rain turned to snow because global temperatures had dropped (13 degree difference between seasons); and so, it snowed and snowed. This snow built up at both Poles. (See eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-02/uadb-sdw022305.php )
The tilt of the earth is another factor. When tilted away from the sun, there is winter in the hemisphere furthest away from the sun. (Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere have opposing seasons.) This means when the Pole is far from the sun, it will be even colder there than usual. This keeps the 2.7 million years of snow and ice built up over that time cold enough to stay frozen.
The water cycle's effects on global weather and temperature is fascinating to study.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agobeacouse the axis and ecliptic of the earth are not perpendicular .
another easy way to say it the poles get 75% less sun during the equinox and solstice rotation
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThis is because penguins live so it make the earth so heavy on the north an south pole to were earth never gives it sun. The formula is h: dij- 57&<*+=hjk
Wiki User
∙ 12y agobecause the sun does not shine there?
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Is like a rockslide but on a snow-covered mountain.?
An avalanche is like a rockslide, but on a snow-covered mountain.
How much of Alaska is covered with snow all year round?
Only high in the mountains and on glaciers does it remain snow covered.
How is the mountain covered with snow?
itbsnows
What is a landscape covered in snow?
snowscape
Is Pluto covered with frozen gases that make an unusual snow?
Pluto is covered with frozen gases that make snow and ice on the planet. True :) -AGC
What is the effect of snow of poles on ozone hole forming?
The snow on poles is not responsible for ozone depletion. There is no connection.
Should snow covered as an adjective have a hyphen?
In usual text, snow-covered would probably be hyphenated - otherwise the sentence could be misinterpreted - consider the difference between the concept of "snow-covered mountains" and the sentence "snow covered mountains".
When was Pure As the Blood Covered Snow created?
Pure As the Blood Covered Snow was created in 2003.
Why doesn't a mountain covered with snow catch cold?
Because it's covered by a snow cap
Why doesn't a mountain covered with snow catch a cold?
Because it's covered by a snow cap
Is like a rockslide but on a snow-covered mountain.?
An avalanche is like a rockslide, but on a snow-covered mountain.
What two elements are necessary for a snow slide?
steep snow-covered hill, and a trigger
What does Nevada mean?
Snow-clad; snow-covered.
Do snow tires help when roads are snow-covered?
Yes
What melts faster lakes covered in snow or lakes with no snow?
well ,rivers with no snow
How much of Alaska is covered with snow all year round?
Only high in the mountains and on glaciers does it remain snow covered.
What is like a rockslide but on a snow- covered mountin?
An avalanche is like a rockslide, but on a snow-covered mountain.
