The closer the latitude is to the equator, the warmer the climate

The closer the latitude is to the equator, the warmer the climate. The closer it is to the poles, the cooler it is.

The correct answer and explanation is:

The statement is correct. The climate of a region is significantly influenced by its latitude. Latitude refers to how far a location is from the equator, which divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

At the equator, which is located at 0° latitude, the Sun’s rays hit the Earth directly, providing the maximum amount of solar energy. This intense solar radiation results in a warm climate, with consistent high temperatures throughout the year. As you move away from the equator, the angle at which the Sun’s rays reach the Earth’s surface becomes less direct. This reduces the amount of energy that a particular area receives, leading to cooler temperatures.

The closer a region is to the poles, the less direct the sunlight is, especially during certain times of the year. This results in lower temperatures. For example, areas near the North and South Poles, such as the Arctic and Antarctic regions, experience long periods of darkness in winter and only limited sunlight in summer. These conditions contribute to their cold climates.

The effect of latitude on temperature is further influenced by factors like ocean currents, elevation, and atmospheric circulation patterns. However, the general trend remains that regions closer to the equator have warmer climates, while those nearer to the poles are colder.

In summary, the key factor is the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth. Areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight year-round, creating warmer climates, while regions closer to the poles receive less sunlight, resulting in cooler temperatures. This relationship between latitude and climate is a fundamental principle of geography.