Question

earths arctic regions lie within the polar latitudes between 66° and 90° north and 66° and 90° south. which of the following best explains why the polar latitudes generally experience cold temperatures? choose 1 answer: a the arctic has many fewer hours of daylight compared to other latitudes. b the curvature of the earth causes the poles to be a closer distance to the sun than other latitudes. c the curvature of the earth causes the suns energy to spread over larger areas at higher latitudes. d solar radiation is retained for less time by earths surface toward the poles.

Explanation:

• Option A: The arctic has periods of continuous daylight (midnight sun) and continuous darkness, but it's not about having "many fewer hours" compared to other latitudes overall.
• Option B: The poles are not closer to the sun. In fact, due to Earth's orbit, sometimes other latitudes are closer.
• Option C: The curvature of the Earth means that at higher latitudes (polar regions), the sun's rays hit at a more oblique angle. This causes the sun's energy to spread over larger areas. So, per unit area, there is less energy (heat), leading to cold temperatures.
• Option D: It's not mainly about the surface retaining solar radiation less. The key is the angle of sunlight and energy distribution.

Answer:

C. The curvature of the Earth causes the sun's energy to spread over larger areas at higher latitudes.