To determine the reason for the vast climate difference between the inner canyon and the north rim of the Grand Canyon, let's analyze the provided data and options step-by-step:
1. Average Elevation Difference:
- Inner Canyon: 2,100 feet
- North Rim: 8,000 feet
2. Average Temperature in July:
- Inner Canyon: [tex]\(107^\circ F\)[/tex]
- North Rim: [tex]\(77^\circ F\)[/tex]
3. Average Temperature in January:
- Inner Canyon: [tex]\(56^\circ F\)[/tex]
- North Rim: [tex]\(37^\circ F\)[/tex]
The temperatures are significantly different between the two locations, with the north rim being much cooler than the inner canyon.
Now let’s consider why there might be this temperature difference.
### Analyzing the Options:
- Option A: The north rim is in the rain shadow area.
- Being in a rain shadow area typically affects the amount of precipitation an area receives, rather than the temperatures directly. Hence, it is less likely to be the reason for the major temperature differences noted.
- Option B: The inner canyon is close to a freshwater lake.
- While proximity to a water body can have some influence on climate, typically moderating temperatures slightly, this option does not sufficiently account for the large temperature differences observed (107°F to 77°F and 56°F to 37°F).
- Option C: The north rim is higher than the inner canyon.
- This option directly addresses the elevation difference. Higher elevations generally lead to cooler temperatures because the atmosphere is thinner and less able to retain heat. This is a leading cause of significant climate differences in geographically varied areas like the Grand Canyon.
- Option D: The inner canyon is close to the ocean.
- The Grand Canyon is not located particularly near any ocean, so this option is factually incorrect and can be disregarded.
### Conclusion:
Given the significant elevation difference (8,000 feet for the north rim versus 2,100 feet for the inner canyon) and the general principle that higher altitudes tend to be cooler, the most plausible reason for the vast climate difference between the two areas is the difference in elevation.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
C. The north rim is higher than the inner canyon.
