In the polar regions the sun rays are
In the polar regions, the sun rays are oblique, meaning they hit the Earth's surface at a very low angle. This is because of the tilted axis of the Earth, which causes the polar regions to be farthest from the sun. Due to the low angle of the sun, the sun rays are spread out over a larger area, resulting in weaker sunlight and colder temperatures in these regions.
To understand how the sun rays are oblique in the polar regions, you can use a few simple concepts:
1. Earth's Axial Tilt: The Earth is tilted on its axis by approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt is the primary reason for the changing seasons and the variation in sunlight across different regions of the Earth.
2. Polar Regions: The polar regions are located near the Earth's north and south poles, specifically the Arctic region in the north and the Antarctic region in the south. These regions are situated at higher latitudes and are the farthest from the equator.
3. Sun's Path: Due to the Earth's axial tilt, the path of the sun across the sky changes throughout the year. In the polar regions, especially during winter, the sun remains low on the horizon or even stays below it for extended periods of time. Consequently, the sun rays have to travel through a thicker layer of the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in greater scattering and reduced intensity. The oblique angle of the sun rays also means that the same amount of solar energy is spread out over a larger surface area, leading to lower temperatures.
By understanding the relationship between the Earth's axial tilt, the polar regions, and the path of the sun, it becomes clear why the sun rays are oblique in the polar regions.