Question

There are some general statements we can make about climate and your location on Earth. One general statement has to do with average annual temperature. Elaborate on the relationship between average annual temperature and latitude.

A) As latitude increases, the average annual temperature increases.
B) As latitude increases, the average annual temperature decreases.
C) Temperature is not dependent on latitude, but altitude.
D)Average annual temperatures remain more consistent as you approach the equator.

Please help!! Running out of time!

Answer 1

Answer: B) As latitude increases, the average annual temperature decreases.

One general statement that can be made about the relationship between climate and location on Earth is that, in general, the average annual temperature tends to decrease as latitude increases. This relationship is due to the fact that the angle at which the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface becomes more oblique (less direct) as you move away from the equator, resulting in less heat being absorbed and warming the air. In addition, the Earth's atmosphere is thicker near the equator, which also contributes to higher temperatures in that region.

At the equator, the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface at a 90 degree angle, which allows for the maximum amount of heat to be absorbed and results in high temperatures. As you move towards the poles, the angle at which the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface becomes more oblique, resulting in less heat being absorbed and lower temperatures. This is why the average annual temperature is generally higher near the equator and decreases as you move towards the poles.