State two reasons why you would expect the climate in Nigeria(near the equator)to be warmer than the climate in Greenland(closer to the North Pole)
Right. The sun is directly over the tropics.
There are two main reasons why you would expect the climate in Nigeria, which is located near the equator, to be warmer than the climate in Greenland, which is closer to the North Pole.
1. Latitude: The first reason is the difference in latitude. Nigeria is located closer to the equator, which receives direct sunlight throughout the year. Sunlight at the equator is more intense and concentrated compared to regions closer to the poles. This leads to higher temperatures in equatorial regions as compared to polar regions like Greenland. The sun's rays at the equator hit the Earth nearly vertically, providing more heat energy per unit area, resulting in warmer temperatures.
2. Atmospheric Circulation: The second reason is the difference in atmospheric circulation patterns. Near the equator, a climate phenomenon known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) plays a significant role. The ITCZ is an area of atmospheric uplift where warm, moist air from both hemispheres converges. This convergence leads to the formation of clouds and frequent rainfall, which helps to cool the region and maintain relatively high humidity levels. This combination of warm air, abundant rainfall, and high humidity contributes to the warmer climate in Nigeria.
Conversely, Greenland, being closer to the North Pole, experiences a polar climate. Polar regions receive sunlight at a low angle, resulting in spreading the sun's energy over a larger area. Additionally, the frigid polar air masses and ice cover in Greenland make it difficult for the region to retain heat, resulting in much colder temperatures compared to equatorial regions.
In summary, the main reasons for the expected temperature difference between Nigeria and Greenland are the difference in latitude, with Nigeria being closer to the equator and receiving more direct sunlight, and the difference in atmospheric circulation patterns, with Nigeria experiencing warm, moist air convergence from both hemispheres, while Greenland experiences a polar climate.