QuestionJune 29, 2025

Why is Mars' southern polar region colder than its northern polar region? The winter southern pole is farther from the Sun than the northern winter pole. CO_(2) ice reflects energy away from the southern pole. Higher altitudes at the southern pole lead to colder temperatures. CO_(2) freezes at a lower temperature than water ice.

Why is Mars' southern polar region colder than its northern polar region? The winter southern pole is farther from the Sun than the northern winter pole. CO_(2) ice reflects energy away from the southern pole. Higher altitudes at the southern pole lead to colder temperatures. CO_(2) freezes at a lower temperature than water ice.
Why is Mars' southern polar region colder than its northern polar region? The winter southern pole is farther from the Sun than the northern winter pole. CO_(2) ice reflects energy away from the southern pole. Higher altitudes at the southern pole lead to colder temperatures. CO_(2) freezes at a lower temperature than water ice.

Solution
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Answer

The winter southern pole is farther from the Sun than the northern winter pole. CO_{2} ice reflects energy away from the southern pole. Higher altitudes at the southern pole lead to colder temperatures. Explanation 1. Analyze Orbital Dynamics Mars' orbit is elliptical, causing the southern hemisphere to experience winter when Mars is farther from the Sun, leading to colder temperatures. 2. Reflectivity of CO_{2} Ice CO_{2} ice has a high albedo, reflecting more solar energy away, contributing to lower temperatures in the southern polar region. 3. Altitude Differences The southern polar region is at a higher altitude compared to the northern polar region, resulting in cooler temperatures due to thinner atmosphere and lower pressure. 4. Freezing Point of CO_{2} CO_{2} freezes at a higher temperature than water ice, but this factor primarily affects the composition rather than the temperature difference between poles.

Explanation

1. Analyze Orbital Dynamics<br /> Mars' orbit is elliptical, causing the southern hemisphere to experience winter when Mars is farther from the Sun, leading to colder temperatures.<br /><br />2. Reflectivity of $CO_{2}$ Ice<br /> $CO_{2}$ ice has a high albedo, reflecting more solar energy away, contributing to lower temperatures in the southern polar region.<br /><br />3. Altitude Differences<br /> The southern polar region is at a higher altitude compared to the northern polar region, resulting in cooler temperatures due to thinner atmosphere and lower pressure.<br /><br />4. Freezing Point of $CO_{2}$<br /> $CO_{2}$ freezes at a higher temperature than water ice, but this factor primarily affects the composition rather than the temperature difference between poles.
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