Question

The tropopause occurs at a __________ elevation above the tropics than above the poles because __________.

A) Higher; the tropics receive more solar energy
B) Lower; the poles are colder
C) Higher; the tropics are colder
D) Lower; the poles receive more solar energy

Answer 1

The tropopause occurs at a higher elevation above the tropics than above the poles because the tropics receive more solar energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tropopause occurs at a higher elevation above the tropics than above the poles because the tropics receive more solar energy.

The troposphere, which extends from the surface to the tropopause, is the lowest level of the atmosphere and is relevant to the greenhouse effect. It is at the tropopause, which is at 12-15 km altitude, that the transition between the troposphere and the stratosphere occurs. This transition is the coldest part of the atmosphere.

As a result of receiving more solar energy, the tropics are generally warmer than the poles, causing the tropopause to occur at a higher elevation.