The best explanation for why pitched roofs are more common in the arctic than in the tropics is geographic differences and proximity to the coastline. These factors play a significant role in the choice of roof design as pitched roofs are better suited to shed snow and withstand heavy precipitation in colder climates, whereas flat roofs are more common in the tropics due to the lower risk of snow accumulation. The availability of building materials and aesthetic differences may also be factors, but they are not as directly related to the climate and geographic conditions of the arctic compared to the tropics.
