Correct option is B
The correct answer is the mid-day sun is exactly overhead.
The mid-day sun is exactly overhead at least once a year on all latitudes between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This area, therefore, receives the maximum heat and is called the Torrid Zone.
Heat Zones of the Earth:
The Earth is categorized into three principal heat zones based on the amount of solar radiation received. These are:
Torrid Zone: Positioned between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, this zone receives the highest intensity of sunlight year-round. The direct overhead position of the sun at least once a year in this area leads to consistently high temperatures.
Temperate Zones: These zones lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere and between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle in the Southern Hemisphere. The sun never reaches directly overhead, resulting in moderate temperatures with distinct seasonal changes.
Frigid Zones: Located beyond the Arctic Circle in the North and the Antarctic Circle in the South, these zones experience the most extreme cold, with the sun remaining low on the horizon throughout the year.
Geographical Spread of the Torrid Zone:
The Torrid Zone is the most thermally active region on Earth due to its direct exposure to sunlight. It encompasses diverse ecosystems, from dense tropical rainforests to arid deserts. Here’s a breakdown of its geographical coverage:
Americas: The Torrid Zone includes countries and regions such as southern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and the northern part of South America. These areas are known for their tropical climate, lush biodiversity, and significant rainfall.
Africa: This zone encompasses a wide swath of the African continent, including Sudan, parts of Western Sahara, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and regions in West, Central, and East Africa. Africa's Torrid Zone is characterized by a mix of desert, savannah, and tropical rainforest climates.
Middle East: In the Middle East, the southern regions, particularly those close to the Arabian Peninsula, fall within the Torrid Zone, experiencing hot, arid conditions.
Asia: The southern part of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia lies in the Torrid Zone. These areas are known for their hot, humid tropical climates and significant monsoon rains.
Australia: Northern Australia falls under the Torrid Zone, featuring a tropical climate with wet and dry seasons.
Oceania: Including a large part of Oceania and the northern tip of Zealandia, these regions are characterized by their tropical island climates, with warm temperatures and high humidity levels throughout the year.
Climate and Ecological Impact:
The Torrid Zone plays a critical role in the Earth's climate system and biodiversity. Its consistent warmth and sunlight foster diverse ecosystems, ranging from rainforests with high biodiversity to deserts with unique survival adaptations. The climate here affects global weather patterns, including the formation of monsoons and hurricanes, which have far-reaching effects beyond the zone.