What does "latitudinal temperature variation" refer to?

Latitudinal temperature variation refers to the phenomenon where temperature changes with geographic latitude, indicating that temperatures generally decrease as one moves from the equator towards the poles. This gradient occurs because the Sun's rays strike the Earth at different angles depending on the latitude. Near the equator, where solar radiation is more direct, temperatures tend to be warmer as compared to higher latitudes where the sunlight is less direct, resulting in cooler temperatures.

This concept is crucial for understanding climate zones and weather patterns, as it influences not only temperature but also factors such as precipitation and ecosystems. The characteristic of cooler temperatures at higher latitudes is a key aspect of this variation, making it an essential concept in meteorology and climatology.