Differences between the poles and the equator

Question 1

What are the 5 ways that the equator differs from the poles?

Answer 1

• position of the sun
• albedo differences
• thickness of atmosphere
• different surface areas
• seasonal differences

Question 2

How does the position of the sun make the poles and the equator different?

Answer 2

The equator has a surplus of energy due to the angle of the overhead sun making the isolation more intense.

At the poles the sun is at a lower angle and so has less energy.

Question 3

How does albedo differences make the poles and the equator different?

Answer 3

At the equator there is dark vegetation which absorbs more energy.

At the poles ice and water have a high albedo and so reflect light and heat.

Question 4

How does thickness of atmosphere make the poles and the equator different?

Answer 4

The atmosphere at the equator is much thinner and therefore there is less absorption and reflection from clouds and dust.

The atmosphere at the poles is thicker and so more energy is lost from reflection.

Question 5

How does different surface areas make the poles and the equator different?

Answer 5

The equator has a much smaller surface area and so heats up faster.

At the poles there is a larger surface area due to the curvature of the earth so it takes longer to heat up.

Question 6

How does seasonal differences make the poles and the equator different?

Answer 6

Due to the earths rotation around the sun and the earths tilt it creates seasonal differences.

During the winter solstice there is complete darkness at the poles.