What is a primary characteristic of polar climate zones?

Polar climate zones are characterized by consistently cold temperatures and a significant amount of sunlight that strikes the surface at low angles due to the high latitude of these regions. Because of this geographic positioning, the sun’s rays must travel through a thicker layer of the atmosphere, resulting in a lower intensity of sunlight. This is a crucial factor that contributes to the perpetual cold temperatures experienced in polar climates.

The nature of light in these regions also impacts the types of ecosystems that can thrive there, leading to limited vegetation and specific adaptations in the wildlife that can survive in such extreme conditions. Unlike other climate zones where direct sunlight may be prevalent, the polar regions receive this light sporadically throughout the year, especially during the summer months when there is a phenomenon of continuous daylight for extended periods.