Question

the image below shows solar radiation reaching earths surface. based on the image, how does sunlight at the equator affect global atmospheric patterns? the sunlight - a. causes air to sink at the equator and rise near the polar regions, creating global circulation patterns b. heats the surface, causing air to rise and form low - pressure systems near the equator c. cools the atmosphere near the equator and significantly slows global wind movement patterns d. evenly warms all parts of earths surface, keeping global wind patterns completely constant

Explanation:

• Option A: Incorrect. At the equator, air rises (not sinks) due to heating. Near the poles, air sinks (not rises).
• Option B: Correct. Sunlight at the equator heats the surface. Warm air is less dense and rises, creating low - pressure systems. This is a key part of global atmospheric circulation (like the Hadley cell).
• Option C: Incorrect. Sunlight at the equator heats (not cools) the atmosphere. It drives (not slows) global wind patterns.
• Option D: Incorrect. Sunlight does not evenly warm all parts of the Earth (as shown in the image with different angles of sunlight). Global wind patterns are complex and not “completely constant”.

Answer:

B. heats the surface, causing air to rise and form low - pressure systems near the equator