Question

select the correct answer.
what effect does earths spherical shape have on the amount of sunlight that reaches the equator?
a. the latitudes near the equator receive direct sunlight, which causes a high - pressure system.
b. the latitudes near the equator receive indirect sunlight, which causes a low - pressure system.
c. the latitudes near the equator receive direct sunlight, which causes a low - pressure system.
d. the latitudes near the equator receive indirect sunlight, which causes a high - pressure system.

Explanation:

1. Earth's spherical shape means the sun's rays hit the equator more directly (perpendicularly) compared to higher latitudes.
2. Direct sunlight leads to more heating, causing air to rise (convection), which creates a low - pressure system (since rising air leaves an area of lower pressure at the surface).
3. Option A is wrong because direct sunlight at the equator causes low - pressure (not high - pressure) as air rises. Option B and D are wrong because the equator gets direct (not indirect) sunlight.

Answer:

C. The latitudes near the equator receive direct sunlight, which causes a low - pressure system.