Short Answer:
Polar zones have extremely low temperatures, little precipitation, and distinct seasons, while tropical zones experience consistently warm temperatures, high precipitation, and distinct wet and dry seasons due to differences in sunlight distribution and atmospheric circulation patterns.
Detailed Explanation:
Polar zones, located near the Earth's poles, receive sunlight at a low angle due to the planet's axial tilt. This results in prolonged periods of darkness during winter and continuous daylight during summer. The low angle of sunlight contributes to overall colder temperatures in polar regions, leading to icy landscapes and frozen conditions.
Polar regions generally have low precipitation, and the little moisture they receive often falls as snow. This limited precipitation, coupled with cold temperatures, creates polar deserts in some areas. The distinct seasons in polar zones are characterized by harsh winters with extremely low temperatures and relatively milder summers.
In contrast, tropical zones, situated near the equator, receive sunlight nearly perpendicular to the Earth's surface throughout the year. This consistent and direct exposure to sunlight leads to consistently warm temperatures in tropical regions. The lack of significant variations in day length results in minimal seasonal temperature changes.
Tropical zones often experience high levels of precipitation due to the warm air near the equator rising, cooling, and condensing into rain. This leads to the development of rainforests and other lush vegetation. The alternation between wet and dry seasons in tropical areas is influenced by shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the movement of trade winds, creating distinct climatic patterns.
In summary, the differences in weather between polar and tropical zones are primarily attributed to variations in sunlight distribution, atmospheric circulation patterns, and the Earth's axial tilt, resulting in distinct climates and conditions in these regions.