1. where are the sun's rays most intense ?
a. the poles
b. the tropics
c. the "horse latitudes"
d. none of the above
2. what cause seasons to occur? .
a. earth's changing position in relation to the sun
b. changes in wind patterns
c. changes in the sun's radiation
d. none of the above
3. why is the equatorial zone referred to as "the doldrums"?
a. the weather in the equatorial zone is consistently stormy all year long
b. the equatorial zone has consistently calm winds, which makes it difficult to navigate
c. the equatorial zone has consistently strong winds, which makes it difficult to navigate
d. none of the above
4. which factor has the greatest affect on a season's climate?
a. global wind patterns
b. ocean currents
c. solar radiation
d. none of the above

1) The sun's rays are most intense at:

B. The Tropics

2) Seasons occur because:

A) Earth's changing position in relation to the sun

(The tilt of the earth's axis)

3) The Doldrums are consistently calm (Choice B)

4) This is a bit of a trick question...

- Some locations on Earth's surface benefit greatly from ocean currents. For example, the maritime climate of the Pacific Northwest in the United States or the United Kingdom's benefit of Atlantic Ocean warming currents. Mediterranean climate pattern or the monsoon season in SE Asia would also be good to study.

The best answer is (D) - none of the above.

All other things being equal, the tilt of the Earth's axis brings you closer to or further away from the sun, impacting that season's climate the most.

Mr. Pacey

JH/HS Social Studies Teacher