Answer to Question #121507 in Physics 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

Averaged over the year, there is a net energy surplus at the equator and a net energy deficit at the poles. This equator-versus-pole energy imbalance is the fundamental driver of atmospheric and oceanic circulation.

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