Between 35°N/NPole and 35°S/SPole, energy balance is deficit. Which option describes this balance?

• A. Surplus
• B. Balance
• C. No energy transfer occurs
• D. Deficit

Answer: (D)

In latitudinal energy balance, high-latitude regions tend to have a negative net balance: they lose more energy than they receive on an annual basis. From 35°N to the Pole and from 35°S to the Pole, solar input is relatively low and snow/ice albedo keeps much heat reflected or radiated away, especially in winter. To keep global energy balance, heat is transported from the equator toward the poles by atmospheric and oceanic circulation. That means these high-latitude belts are characterized by a deficit in energy balance—the correct description is deficit.