Geography
What Causes the Formation of Different Climate Zones?
Quick fact
The sun's rays hit the equator at a near-perpendicular angle, concentrating energy on a small area, while at the poles, the same energy spreads over a much larger area, making it significantly colder.
Why this is interesting
You've probably noticed that the equator is hot and humid, while the poles are cold and icy—but why isn't the whole planet the same temperature? The answer isn't simply distance from the sun.