What Is Life? 2nd Edition by Jay Phelan

Exercise 23

Why is it hotter at the equator than at the Poles?
A) The angle at which sunlight hits the earth leads to a given amount of solar energy being spread over a smaller area at the equator than at the Poles.
B) The increased rotational speed of the earth at the Poles creates strong winds that increase radiant cooling.
C) Greater cloud cover at the equator leads to a greater "greenhouse" effect than at the Poles.
D) The water in the oceans has a high heat capacity, and there is significantly more water near the equator than at the Poles.
E) All of the above are responsible for the higher average temperature at the equator than at the Poles.