Question

earths temperate regions lie within the mid latitudes between 23° and 66° north and 23° and 66° south. which of the following best explains why the earths mid latitudes generally experience seasonal warm and cool temperatures throughout the year? choose 1 answer: a the mid latitudes are warmer when the earth travels closer to the sun as part of its orbit, and they are cooler when the earth moves away from the sun. b the mid latitudes are warmer when the earth revolves to face the sun, and they are cooler when the earth spins away from the sun. c the mid latitudes are warmer when the suns rays strike them at a more direct angle, and they are cooler when the angle of the suns rays are less direct. d the mid latitudes are warmer when they are miles closer to the sun because of the curvature of the earth, and they are cooler when the earth changes position and they are farther away.

Explanation:

• Option A: The distance between Earth and the Sun has a negligible impact on seasonal temperature changes in mid - latitudes. The main factor is the angle of sunlight, not the orbital distance.
• Option B: Earth's rotation (spinning) causes day and night, not seasons. Seasonal temperature changes are related to the tilt of Earth's axis and the angle of sunlight over the year.
• Option C: As Earth orbits the Sun, the tilt of its axis causes the angle at which sunlight strikes the mid - latitudes to change. When the Sun's rays strike at a more direct angle (summer in that hemisphere), it is warmer. When the angle is less direct (winter in that hemisphere), it is cooler.
• Option D: The curvature of the Earth does not cause seasonal temperature changes in the way described. The tilt of the Earth's axis and the angle of sunlight are the key factors.

Answer:

C. The mid latitudes are warmer when the sun's rays strike them at a more direct angle, and they are cooler when the angle of the sun's rays are less direct.