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Which of the following statements is true about the real-world semi-permanent pressure systems on Earth?

a. The Northern Hemisphere is closer to the idealized zonal pressure pattern than the Southern Hemisphere.
b. The January and July global pressure patterns look exactly the same.
c. The ITCZ is located at the equator regardless of season.
d. The ITCZ moves toward the summer hemisphere as seasons change.
e. High-pressure centers are always located 30 degrees north or south of the equator.

User Raj Raj
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Final answer:

The true statement is that the ITCZ moves toward the summer hemisphere as seasons change, influenced by the tilt of Earth's axis. Seasons are not determined by Earth's distance from the Sun but by the axial tilt, and high-pressure centers are not always located at 30 degrees latitude since they are affected by other dynamic climatic factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement about real-world semi-permanent pressure systems on Earth is that the ITCZ moves toward the summer hemisphere as seasons change. This phenomenon is evident as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) shifts north or south of the equator depending on the Earth's tilt and the time of the year; it is closer to the hemisphere that is experiencing summer, which means warmer temperatures and more direct sunlight. This shift contributes to the varying climatic conditions and precipitation patterns experienced around different latitudes and during different seasons.

Contrary to some beliefs, seasons are not caused by the differing distances between Earth and the Sun. Instead, the tilt of Earth's axis at 23.5° is responsible for the varying angles at which sunlight hits the Earth, creating seasons. It is important to note that during the Northern Hemisphere's winter, Earth is actually closest to the Sun; this proves that it is the axial tilt and not the distance from the Sun that causes seasonal changes.

Furthermore, high-pressure centers are not fixed at 30 degrees north or south of the equator. Their typical locations are influenced by Earth's rotation and atmospheric circulation patterns but can vary due to numerous factors such as ocean currents and topography, leading to a dynamic climate system that does not adhere to a static pattern.

User Pichi Wuana
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