Higher latitudes are not permanently frozen because ofa)Presence of wa...
There is a surplus of net radiation balance between 40 degrees north and south and the regions near the poles have a deficit. The surplus heat energy from the tropics is redistributed pole wards and as a result the tropics do not get progressively heated up due to the accumulation of excess heat or the high latitudes get permanently frozen due to excess deficit.
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Higher latitudes are not permanently frozen because ofa)Presence of wa...
There is a surplus of net radiation balance between 40 degrees north and south and the regions near the poles have a deficit. The surplus heat energy from the tropics is redistributed pole wards and as a result the tropics do not get progressively heated up due to the accumulation of excess heat or the high latitudes get permanently frozen due to the excess deficit.
So, the answer is C.
Higher latitudes are not permanently frozen because ofa)Presence of wa...
Explanation:
The correct answer is option 'C' - redistribution of surplus heat energy polewards from the tropics.
Reasoning:
The higher latitudes are not permanently frozen because of the redistribution of surplus heat energy polewards from the tropics. Let's understand this in detail:
1. Redistribution of Heat Energy:
- The Earth receives solar radiation, also known as insolation, from the Sun.
- The distribution of solar radiation is not uniform across the Earth's surface due to the curvature of the Earth and the tilt of its axis.
- As a result, the tropics receive more direct sunlight throughout the year, while the higher latitudes receive less direct sunlight.
- However, the excess heat energy accumulated in the tropics is redistributed towards the poles to maintain a balance in the Earth's climate system.
2. Atmospheric Circulation:
- The redistribution of heat energy is facilitated by the atmospheric circulation patterns.
- Warm air rises in the tropics due to the intense heating, creating a low-pressure area.
- As the air rises, it cools and releases moisture, leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation.
- This process releases latent heat energy, which further warms the atmosphere.
- The warm air then moves polewards in the upper atmosphere, forming the upper-level winds known as the jet streams.
- These jet streams transport heat energy towards the higher latitudes.
3. Oceanic Circulation:
- Along with atmospheric circulation, oceanic circulation also plays a significant role in redistributing heat energy.
- Warm ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean and the Kuroshio Current in the Pacific Ocean, transport warm water towards the poles.
- These warm currents help to moderate the temperatures of coastal areas at higher latitudes, preventing them from becoming permanently frozen.
4. Effect on Higher Latitudes:
- Due to the redistribution of surplus heat energy from the tropics, the higher latitudes receive enough heat to prevent them from being permanently frozen.
- However, the temperatures in these regions are still colder compared to the tropics and experience seasonal variations.
- The surplus heat energy also contributes to the melting of ice in the polar regions, which is important for maintaining the Earth's climate balance.
Conclusion:
The presence of warm and cold currents, the redistribution of surplus heat energy polewards from the tropics, atmospheric and oceanic circulation play vital roles in preventing higher latitudes from being permanently frozen.