Polar regions receive nearly continuous sunlight in the summer months so why doesn't the mean temperature during those months get above 10°C?
A) The sun is too low in the sky to be an effective heat source.
B) The sun's energy has to heat the frozen atmosphere in order to reach the land and that takes all summer.
C) The reflection of the sun's energy albedo. by the ice and snow prevents the area from warming.
D) The ozone layer has thinned significantly over the polar regions and this prevents heat from being trapped near the surface in those areas.
E) In the summer, the winds blow from the cold oceans and keep the temperatures low.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sun is low in the sky in polar regions, even during summer, which means its rays are spread over a larger area and are less effective at heating the surface.

Polar Regions Receive Nearly Continuous Sunlight in the Summer Months