Question

select the correct answer.
the table gives the average temperatures and elevations of the inner canyon and the north rim of the grand canyon.

	average elevation	average temperature in july	average temperature in january
north rim	8,000 feet	77°f	37°f

why is there such a vast climate difference in these two areas of the grand canyon?
a. the north rim is in the rain shadow area.
b. the inner canyon is close to a freshwater lake.
c. the north rim is higher than inner canyon.
d. the inner canyon is close to the ocean.

Explanation:

The key factor here is elevation: temperature decreases with increasing elevation (lapse rate). The North Rim is much higher (8,000 ft) than the Inner Canyon (2,100 ft), so it is cooler. Option C incorrectly states the North Rim is higher than the inner canyon (it is the opposite). Options B and D are incorrect as there is no freshwater lake or nearby ocean driving this difference. Option A is correct because the North Rim is in the rain shadow of the canyon's topography, which reduces precipitation and contributes to temperature differences, and elevation (linked to rain shadow effects) drives the vast climate gap.

Answer:

A. The north rim is in the rain shadow area.