Latitude

 A parent's work is never done. Lyse is travelling from Monreal Qc to

Whitehorse YT today, and while she was packing, yesterday, I valiantly launched 

into an explanation of how the temperature in Whitehorse will be different. Did a passable 

job on it: there days in Whitehorse are currently longer by 2 1/2 hours so that - 

climate change aiding - the highs will be similar to those in Montreal. She should expect,

however, the nights to be colder because she will be further North. Wasn't too sure about 

those colder nights... Here is what Chatgpt had to say on the topic:

                                                                

The temperature difference from the pole to the equator depends on the Sun’s energy and the energy retained in Earth’s systems. The curvature of the Earth causes the Sun’s energy to spread out over larger areas with increasing latitude. The greater the land area the energy spreads across, the lower the energy per unit area. Ultimately, the temperature in an area depends on the amount of the Sun’s energy reaching the surface in that area. The amount of solar energy in a given area is greater at the equator than in an equal area at the poles, which is why the equator temperature is warmer than the polar temperatures. Axial Tilt and Sun Energy The Earth’s axis tilts approximately 23.5° from vertical relative to the plane of the Earth’s orbit around the sun. This axial tilt means that during the Earth’s journey around the sun, the poles receive varying amounts of sunlight. The equator, however, receives relatively consistent sunlight all year. The consistency of energy means that the equator’s temperature stays relatively constant all year. The polar regions, on the other hand, receive less of the Sun’s energy and only receive that energy for part of the year. At latitudes higher than 60°N and 60°S, the Sun’s energy spreads out over large areas due to Earth’s curvature and axial tilt¹.

During summer, the temperature at North Pole averages 32°F (0°C) while at South Pole it averages −18°F (−28.2°C). During winter, North Pole averages −40°F (−40°C) but South Pole averages −76°F (−60°C)¹. Geography controls temperature difference between North and South Poles. North Pole is located in ocean while South Pole lies on a continental mass surrounded by ocean. Sea water below Arctic ice cap is slightly warmer than ice and warms air above. Land mass of Antarctica reduces influence of ocean. Average elevation of Antarctica, about 7,500 feet (2.3 kilometers), also lowers temperature at South Pole¹.

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I expect Lyse will be explaining it to me, when she gets back. How is life organized

at these latitudes ??