Final answer:
The latitude of Arizona's Sonoran Desert aligns with the typical range for subtropical deserts, resulting in its arid climate and high solar energy potential, both indicative of its latitudinal position.
Step-by-step explanation:
The latitude of Arizona's Sonoran Desert being 32 degrees makes sense because subtropical deserts are typically found between 15° and 30° north and south latitude. These deserts, including the Sonoran, are located near the Tropic of Cancer and are characterized by arid climates and high amounts of sunlight throughout the year.
Additionally, deserts are often formed on the leeward side of mountain ranges, where a rain shadow effect reduces moisture, contributing to the arid conditions. The Sonoran Desert's latitude supports its desert climate, complemented by its geographical position that facilitates a high solar energy collection potential.
Finally, deserts at similar latitudes may have different temperatures due to variations in elevation, proximity to bodies of water, and atmospheric conditions such as weather patterns and cloud cover.