Final answer:
In the tropics, slopes facing the equator are warmer than those facing away because they receive more direct sunlight. South-facing slopes are warmer in the northern hemisphere, while north-facing slopes are warmer in the southern hemisphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the tropics, slopes facing the equator are generally warmer than slopes facing away from the equator. This is due to the way the Earth is tilted on its axis, leading to variations in the angle and intensity of sunlight that slopes receive. For example, in the northern hemisphere, south-facing slopes receive more direct sunlight and are therefore warmer, which is due to the generally higher position of the sun in the southern sky. The opposite is true in the southern hemisphere, where north-facing slopes are warmer because they face the equatorial direction. Sun exposure strongly influences local microclimates, impacting soil development, vegetation growth, and overall local temperature.