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The thermal equator is a belt encircling the Earth, defined by the set of locations having the highest mean annual temperature at each longitude around the globe. It is usually found slightly north of equator because
1. Solar insolation is comparatively much higher in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere.
2. The Northern Hemisphere is dominated by land unlike the Southern Hemisphere which is dominated by ocean waters.
Which of the above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The thermal equator is a belt encircling the Earth, defined by the se...
Explanation:
The thermal equator is an imaginary circle around the Earth that connects the points where the highest mean annual temperature is recorded at each longitude. The following points explain why the thermal equator is slightly north of the geographical equator:

- Solar insolation is comparatively much higher in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere. This is due to the fact that the Earth's orbit is not circular but slightly elliptical. As a result, the Earth is closer to the Sun during the Northern Hemisphere summer than during the Southern Hemisphere summer. This means that there is more solar radiation falling on the Northern Hemisphere, leading to higher temperatures.

- The Northern Hemisphere is dominated by land, which heats up faster than water. Land has a lower heat capacity than water, which means that it takes less energy to raise its temperature. This is why temperatures in the interior of continents can be much higher than temperatures on the coasts. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere is dominated by ocean waters, which have a higher heat capacity and take longer to warm up. This leads to lower temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere.

Therefore, both factors contribute to the fact that the thermal equator is slightly north of the geographical equator. Option B is the correct answer.
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Community Answer
The thermal equator is a belt encircling the Earth, defined by the se...
  • The location of the thermal equator is not identical to that of the geographic equator. But, this is not due to the Level of insolation received in both hemispheres.
  • Land-dominated areas will tend to have a large variation in temperature and a higher average temperature under the same conditions (as compared to a water-dominated area).
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The thermal equator is a belt encircling the Earth, defined by the set of locations having the highest mean annual temperature at each longitude around the globe. It is usually found slightly north of equator because 1. Solar insolation is comparatively much higher in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere.2. The Northern Hemisphere is dominated by land unlike the Southern Hemisphere which is dominated by ocean waters.Which of the above is/are correct? a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Both 1 and 2d) None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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