To understand why there is such a vast climate difference between the inner canyon and the north rim of the Grand Canyon, we need to examine the given information from the table and consider the general principles of atmospheric science.
### Analyzing the Table:
1. Elevation:
- Inner Canyon: 2,100 feet
- North Rim: 8,000 feet
2. Average Temperature in July:
- Inner Canyon: [tex]\( 107^\circ \text{F} \)[/tex]
- North Rim: [tex]\( 77^\circ \text{F} \)[/tex]
3. Average Temperature in January:
- Inner Canyon: [tex]\( 56^\circ \text{F} \)[/tex]
- North Rim: [tex]\( 37^\circ \text{F} \)[/tex]
### Key Concept - Temperature and Elevation:
One of the fundamental concepts in atmospheric science is that temperature generally decreases with an increase in elevation. This is because the atmosphere becomes thinner at higher elevations, reducing the capacity to hold and retain heat.
### Explanation of the Climate Difference:
- Elevation Difference:
The north rim is at 8,000 feet, which is significantly higher than the inner canyon at 2,100 feet. Due to this elevation difference, the temperatures on the north rim are considerably lower than those in the inner canyon.
- Temperature Relation:
- In July, the inner canyon is much hotter ( [tex]\(107^\circ \text{F} \)[/tex] ) compared to the north rim ( [tex]\(77^\circ \text{F}\)[/tex] ).
- In January, the inner canyon stays relatively warmer ( [tex]\(56^\circ \text{F}\)[/tex] ) compared to the north rim ( [tex]\(37^\circ \text{F}\)[/tex] ).
The primary reason for this vast climate difference is the significant difference in elevation between the two areas. Higher elevations have thinner air, which leads to cooler temperatures.
### Evaluating the Options:
- Option A: The north rim is in the rain shadow area.
- This does not directly address the temperature difference caused by elevation.
- Option B: The inner canyon is close to a freshwater lake.
- There is no information provided about proximity to a body of water, and generally, proximity to a lake would impact humidity not elevation-related temperature differences.
- Option C: The north rim is higher than the inner canyon.
- This directly addresses the cause and matches the elevation difference provided in the table.
- Option D: The inner canyon is close to the ocean.
- There is no information provided about proximity to the ocean and such a fact would not explain the temperature difference based solely on elevation provided in the table.
### Conclusion:
The significant climate difference between the inner canyon and the north rim of the Grand Canyon is due to the elevation difference. The correct answer is:
C. The north rim is higher than inner canyon.
