Why, oh, why is the troposphere not as high at the poles. At the poles it only extends to 7km, but at the equator it goes to 17km. WHY?!!!!! I tried to look it up but I couldnt figure it out. NO GUESSES I want someone who knows FOR SURE!
2006-10-21 06:06:54 · 8 answers · asked by terra_chan 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
A combination of centrifugal force and temperature differences make the troposphere thickest at the equator, 10 to 11 miles. It is only 5 to 6 miles thick at the poles. Due to lower temperatures the troposphere is more dense at the poles.
In the winter the air mass over the poles cools and contracts, and the thickness of the planet's local atmospheric layer decreases. (Of course, the opposite pole is experiencing summer and its air layer is expanding.) Thus, in winter at high latitudes and high altitudes air pressure is further depressed.
2006-10-21 06:14:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually there is a LOT of information about this at various reliable websites (most of them universities). The reason is the magnetic field around the earth. The troposphere is exactly parallel in all respects. Also, you must keep in mind that as the earth revolves the center (equator) travels FASTER than the polar areas. This acts pretty much as a centrifuge, which allows the magnetic field to expand further around the equator, and hence the troposphere.
2006-10-21 13:15:12 · answer #2 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The air at the poles is cooler and therefore more dense resulting in the compacting effect. The air around the equator is warmer therefore less dense resulting in the expanding effect.
2006-10-21 13:17:18 · answer #3 · answered by JReb_67 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yup, because there is less gravity at the equator and centripital or center seeking force.
2006-10-21 13:59:42 · answer #4 · answered by poopveggies 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
cos earth isn't perfect shape it's litle flat at poles a litle that's why i think or maybe cos of the climate there
2006-10-21 13:12:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its because the earth bulges at the equator
2006-10-21 13:14:14 · answer #6 · answered by frediks10 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wow, you seem very passionate about your question. Sorry I can't help you.
2006-10-21 13:09:28 · answer #7 · answered by littleblondemohawk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree with Virender S
2006-10-21 13:14:30 · answer #8 · answered by Youngling 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋