Latitudinal variations, Biology

Assignment Help:

Latitudinal Variations

The latitudinal variation of temperature over the earth is the result of two main variables

  • incoming solar radiation and
  • the distribution of land and water masses

 

What do you think could be the other factors influencing temperature?

The movement of wind and water, and the direction of slopes of hills and mountains also modify the temperature.

We know that the length of the day varies at higher latitudes. That means the incoming solar radiation varies. However, if we compute the average, every point on the earth gets the same total hours of daylight each year, an average of 12 hours per day, but not the same amount of heat. The latter depends upbn the amount of radiant energy delivered/unit area/hr and this depends upon the angle of landing sunlight. You have learnt in the previous section that vertical beams afe more intense than the oblique beams that land on the higher latitudes. Hence we find a gradual decrease in the amount of incident radiant energytunit area along the increasing latitudes, horizontally.

On the basis of temperature variation three distinct heat zones can be distinguished in each hemisphere (Figure shown below). The hot torrid zones are near the equator. moderate or temperate zones are in the middle, the cold zones are at the poles. Each zone is characterised by typical plants and animal populations found in the area.

1963_heat zones.jpg


Related Discussions:- Latitudinal variations

Which carbon determines sugar is a d- or l- stereoisomer, If carbon 1 is th...

If carbon 1 is the carbonyl group of a 6-carbon aldose (aldohexose), which carbon determines if the sugar is a D- or L- stereoisomer? Select one: a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

Explain particle movement , Explain Particle Movement ? Particle Mov...

Explain Particle Movement ? Particle Movement :  Particles are moved down a concentration gradient by the process of diffusion. Osmosis is simply the diffusion of water acr

What is a genetic family tree, What is a genetic family tree? Genetic f...

What is a genetic family tree? Genetic family tree is a schematic family tree that shows the biological inheritance of some trait by successive generations. Genetic family t

State the major function of the cell membrane, State the major function of ...

State the major function of the cell membrane A major function of the cell membrane is to maintain the characteristic integrity of the cell by forming a selective barrier betwe

Explain ventricular septal defects vsd chsude technique, Explain Ventricula...

Explain Ventricular septal defects VSD Chsude Technique ? Ventricular septal defects are closed on cardiopulmonary bypass. Approach is through median stemotomy. Ascending aort

What are autotrophic beings, What are autotrophic beings? What are heterotr...

What are autotrophic beings? What are heterotrophic beings? Autotrophic beings are those that can make their own food, i.e., that make organic material from inorganic compounds

What is difficult breathing, What is difficult breathing? Difficult Bre...

What is difficult breathing? Difficult Breathing: Tachypnea (respiratory rates consistently more than 451 min), is a characteristic manifestation of heart failure in newborns (

Diagnostic procedures for acute glomerulonephritis, Diagnostic Procedures ...

Diagnostic Procedures     Taking Clinical history    Urine analysis    Blood sample  for  estimation  of blood urea nitrogen    Antistrepto lysine  (ASO) titer

Haccp plan, HACCP  Plan  :  The written document which  is  based upon the...

HACCP  Plan  :  The written document which  is  based upon the principles  of  HACCP  and which delineates  the procedures  to  be  followed.

Define basic function of secretin in the digestive process, Q. Where is it ...

Q. Where is it produced and what is the function of secretin in the digestive process? Secretin is made in the duodenum the chyme acidity causes the duodenum to release this ho

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd