Answer to Question #120575 in Biology for ran li

Question

Which statement describes the relationship between average net radiation budget and
latitude?
a) The net radiation budget does not change with latitude.
b) There is a net radiation budget surplus at the equator and at the poles.
c) The net radiation budget is the same at both the equator and the poles.
d) There is a net radiation budget surplus at the equator, and a net radiation budget
deficit at the poles.

Answer 1

d) There is a net radiation budget surplus at the equator and a net radiation budget deficit at the poles.

The solar energy input is higher (positive) at the equator, whereas the outgoing longwave radiation exceeds incoming shortwave radiation at the poles. These differences leat to the net budget surplus at the equator, and its deficiency at the poles.