Final answer:
Warmer air at the equator is caused by the direct angle of sunlight, which results in concentrated radiation over a smaller area. At higher latitudes, the angle is lower, dispersing the energy over a larger area and reducing warmth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Areas closer to the equator have warmer air than areas farther away primarily due to the angle at which the sun's rays strike Earth's surface. Near the equator, sunlight strikes the Earth at a more direct angle, meaning the energy from the sun is concentrated over a smaller area. This results in higher temperatures because there is more concentrated radiation heating that area.
In contrast, as one moves towards the poles, sunlight hits Earth's surface at a lower angle, leading to the sun's energy being spread over a larger area, which diminishes the warming effect. This is why the equator is warmer than the poles. This explanation aligns with why seasonal changes occur as well: the tilt of the Earth's axis during its orbit creates variations in the angle of sunlight, producing different seasons around the globe.