lämpöalueita

Lämpöalueita, or thermal regions, refers to the distinct latitudinal zones on Earth characterized by general temperature patterns. These zones are primarily determined by the angle at which solar radiation strikes the Earth's surface. The three main thermal regions are the tropics, the temperate zones, and the polar regions.

The tropics are located around the equator, generally between the Tropic of Cancer (approximately 23.5 degrees North latitude) and the Tropic of Capricorn (approximately 23.5 degrees South latitude). In this region, the sun's rays strike the Earth at a relatively high angle throughout the year, resulting in consistently warm temperatures and high solar energy intensity.

The temperate zones lie between the tropics and the polar circles. There are two temperate zones: the Northern Temperate Zone, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle (approximately 66.5 degrees North latitude), and the Southern Temperate Zone, between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle (approximately 66.5 degrees South latitude). These regions experience distinct seasons with significant variations in temperature between summer and winter, as the angle of solar radiation changes throughout the year.

The polar regions are situated around the North and South Poles, north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle, respectively. In these areas, solar radiation strikes the Earth at a very low angle, and the sun's rays are spread over a larger surface area. This leads to very cold temperatures and low solar energy intensity, with prolonged periods of darkness during winter and continuous daylight during summer.