To understand the vast climate difference between the inner canyon and the north rim of the Grand Canyon, we need to consider the information given in the table and how elevation affects temperature.
[tex]\[
\begin{tabular}{|l|l|l|}
\hline
& Inner Canyon & North Rim \\
\hline
average elevation & 2,100 feet & 8,000 feet \\
\hline
average temperature in July & 107^{\circ}F & 77^{\circ}F \\
\hline
average temperature in January & 56^{\circ}F & 37^{\circ}F \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\][/tex]
Key Observations:
1. Elevation Difference: The inner canyon is at 2,100 feet while the north rim is significantly higher at 8,000 feet.
2. Temperature Difference: In July, the inner canyon averages [tex]\(107^{\circ}F\)[/tex] compared to [tex]\(77^{\circ}F\)[/tex] at the north rim. In January, the temperatures are [tex]\(56^{\circ}F\)[/tex] and [tex]\(37^{\circ}F\)[/tex] respectively.
Impact of Elevation on Temperature:
- Generally, higher elevations experience cooler temperatures compared to lower elevations due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure and temperature lapse rate (which is the rate at which air temperature falls with increasing altitude).
Given these points, let's examine each option:
- Option A: The north rim is in the rain shadow area.
- This option doesn't directly explain the temperature difference. Rain shadow affects precipitation, not directly the temperature disparity.
- Option B: The inner canyon is close to a freshwater lake.
- There is no indication that proximity to a freshwater lake significantly influences the overall climate difference in this context.
- Option C: The north rim is higher than the inner canyon.
- This is consistent with our understanding of elevation effects on temperature. The significant elevation difference (2,100 feet vs. 8,000 feet) very likely accounts for the cooler temperatures observed at the north rim.
- Option D: The inner canyon is close to the ocean.
- The Grand Canyon is not near an ocean, so this option is irrelevant.
Based on the detailed analysis, the most plausible explanation for the vast climate difference in these two areas, taking into account the notable elevation differences and their impact on temperature, is:
C. The north rim is higher than the inner canyon.
Thus, the correct answer is C.
