The main reason that the Earth experiences highest temperatures in th...
- The amount and the intensity of insolation vary during a day, in a season and in a year. The factors that cause these variations in insolation are: (i) the rotation of Earth on its axis; (ii) the angle of inclination of the Sun’s rays; (iii) the length of the day; (iv) the transparency of the atmosphere; (v) the configuration of land in terms of its aspect.
- Maximum insolation is received over the subtropical deserts, where the cloudiness is the least. Equator receives comparatively less insolation than the tropics due to more cloud cover. Generally, at the same latitude the insolation is more over the continent than over the oceans. In winter, the middle and higher latitudes receive less radiation than in summer.
The main reason that the Earth experiences highest temperatures in th...
The main reason that the Earth experiences highest temperatures in the subtropics in the northern hemisphere rather than at the equator is:
Explanation:
The main reason that the Earth experiences highest temperatures in the subtropics in the northern hemisphere rather than at the equator is due to the following factors:
1. Less Cloud Cover: Subtropical areas tend to have less cloud cover than equatorial areas. Clouds have a cooling effect on the surface by reflecting sunlight back into space. In equatorial regions, where there is high humidity and convective activity, there is a greater likelihood of cloud formation. This cloud cover helps to block out a portion of the incoming solar radiation, thereby reducing the amount of heat reaching the surface. In contrast, subtropical regions experience more stable atmospheric conditions with less cloud cover, allowing for more direct sunlight to reach the surface and leading to higher temperatures.
2. Geographical Factors: Subtropical areas are located at latitudes between 23.5° and 35°, which are closer to the Tropic of Cancer. These regions receive more direct sunlight compared to the equatorial regions, where sunlight is spread over a larger area due to the Earth's curvature. The more direct sunlight received in subtropical areas results in higher temperatures.
3. Adiabatic Heating: As air masses descend in the subtropics, they become compressed due to the increasing atmospheric pressure. This compression leads to adiabatic heating, where the temperature of the air increases without any heat exchange with the surroundings. The sinking air in the subtropics undergoes adiabatic compression, which further contributes to the high temperatures experienced in these regions.
4. Oceanic Influence: Subtropical areas are often located near oceanic areas, which can have a moderating effect on temperatures. The presence of large bodies of water helps to regulate temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat more slowly than land surfaces. This can lead to milder temperatures in coastal subtropical regions compared to inland areas.
In conclusion, the main reason for the highest temperatures in the subtropics in the northern hemisphere compared to the equator is the combination of less cloud cover, more direct sunlight, adiabatic heating, and the influence of nearby oceanic areas.
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