answersLogoWhite

0

Sunlight near the poles is spread out over a larger area due to the curvature of the Earth. At high latitudes, the sun's rays strike the surface at a more oblique angle, causing the energy to be distributed over a wider region. This results in lower intensity of sunlight and contributes to the colder temperatures typical of polar regions. Additionally, during certain times of the year, the sun may remain low on the horizon, further reducing the amount of concentrated sunlight received.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

2mo ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Astronomy

How does the angle at which sunlight strikes earth surface affect the intensity of the sunlight?

The more acute the angle at which the sunlight strikes, the more atmosphere that sunlight must pass through. Passing through more atmosphere will weaken and dim the light beams. As the angle at which sunlight hits the earth changes, the same amount of sunlight is spread over different areas, so that near the poles each area of surface receives less intense radiation than an equivalent area near the poles.


Why do poles receive less solar energy then the equator does?

The poles receive less solar energy then the equator does because the radiation from the sun has to pass through much more atmosphere to reach the poles than to reach the equator. During that transit, more of the energy is scattered on the path to the poles, and less reaches the ground there.


Which is a possible condition for an area of the moon that receives no light?

An area of the moon that never receives any sunlight is known as a lunar polar night. This occurs in the permanently shadowed regions near the moon's poles where sunlight never reaches due to the moon's axis tilt and topography blocking the sun's rays.


Why does less solar energy reach the pole then the equator?

Less solar energy reaches the poles than the equator due to the curvature of the Earth. At the equator, sunlight strikes the surface more directly, resulting in higher energy concentration. In contrast, at the poles, sunlight arrives at a steeper angle, spreading the energy over a larger area and reducing its intensity. Additionally, the poles experience prolonged periods of darkness during winter months, further limiting solar energy absorption.


What locations does Sunlight hits earth at a low angle and spreads out over a larger area at there locations?

Sunlight hits the Earth at a low angle primarily at the polar regions, such as the Arctic and Antarctic. In these areas, the sun's rays spread over a larger surface area, resulting in less intense solar energy per unit area. This phenomenon leads to colder temperatures compared to regions near the equator, where sunlight strikes more directly and is concentrated over a smaller area.

Related Questions

Air near the equator average higher temperatures than air near the poles?

Yes, air near the equator is typically warmer than air near the poles due to the angle at which sunlight strikes the earth. Near the equator, sunlight is more concentrated, resulting in higher temperatures. In contrast, near the poles, sunlight is spread out over a larger area, leading to cooler temperatures.


How does the angle at which sunlight strikes earth surface affect the intensity of the sunlight?

The more acute the angle at which the sunlight strikes, the more atmosphere that sunlight must pass through. Passing through more atmosphere will weaken and dim the light beams. As the angle at which sunlight hits the earth changes, the same amount of sunlight is spread over different areas, so that near the poles each area of surface receives less intense radiation than an equivalent area near the poles.


Why does the amount of heat from the equator become less?

The amount of heat from the equator becomes less as one moves towards the poles due to the increasing angle of sunlight. Near the equator, sunlight hits the Earth's surface more directly, providing more heat. However, as you move towards the poles, the sunlight is spread over a larger area, leading to less heat per unit area.


What area of the earth receives more indirect sunlight?

north and south poles


Why are average temperatures higher at the equator than near the poles?

Sunlight is more concentrated at the equator due to the Earth's curvature, which leads to higher average temperatures. Near the poles, sunlight is spread out over a larger area, resulting in lower temperatures. Additionally, the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth's surface varies, affecting the amount of heat received.


Why is it cold at the poles?

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.


Why do poles receive less solar energy then the equator does?

The poles receive less solar energy then the equator does because the radiation from the sun has to pass through much more atmosphere to reach the poles than to reach the equator. During that transit, more of the energy is scattered on the path to the poles, and less reaches the ground there.


Why are average temperatures lower near the poles?

Average temperatures are lower near the poles because sunlight is spread over a larger area, resulting in less heat per unit of surface area. Additionally, the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth's surface near the poles is less direct, leading to less efficient heating. Lastly, polar regions are often covered in snow and ice which reflect sunlight, further reducing the amount of heat absorbed.


How do temperatures at Earths equator compare to the temperatures at the poles?

Temperatures at Earth's equator are generally warmer than temperatures at the poles. This is because sunlight is more concentrated at the equator, leading to more heat absorption. In contrast, at the poles, sunlight hits the Earth at a lower angle, causing the energy to be spread out over a larger area and resulting in colder temperatures.


Is the sunlight reaching Britain spread over a large area?

Yes, because, if you think about how big the sun is, it is covering more than just Britain isn't it!


Why do regions that receive slanting rays of the sun have colder climate?

The amount of heat received from the sun at a place on the surface of the Earth depends upon its latitude or its distance from the Equator. There is a gradual fall in temperature as we move away from the Equator towards the poles. See- the following figure, We can notice that the rays of the sun are falling directly or vertically on the Equator. Thus they spread over a small area. Near the Poles, the rays of the sun are slanting and spread over a large area. This makes the area near the Equator hot and the area near the Poles cold. On the basis of heat received, we can divide the Earth into three zones. 23'/2°S by: vontamayosa


How does the angle of sunlight affect temperature?

Sunlight that lands directly on the equator is spread out the least across the Earth's surface since it is perpendicular, providing the most energy (heat) per unit area. Near the poles, the angle of incidence of the sun's rays spread them out over a much greater area, providing less energy (heat) per unit area.