Physical Geography — Southern Temperate Zone In world regional climatology, the Southern Temperate Zone is the belt of latitudes lying between which two standard parallels/circles of latitude? Choose the most accurate pair.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic circle

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Geographers divide Earth's surface into heat zones using well-defined latitude lines: the equator, the two tropics, and the two polar circles. The temperate zones fall between the tropics and the respective polar circles. This question checks whether you can correctly locate the Southern Temperate Zone using these reference parallels.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Tropic of Capricorn is at about 23.5° S.
  • Antarctic Circle is at about 66.5° S.
  • Temperate zones are between a tropic and a polar circle, not between a polar circle and the pole.


Concept / Approach:
The Earth's axial tilt (~23.5°) defines the tropics and polar circles. The temperate zone lies between each tropic and its corresponding polar circle: in the south that is from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Antarctic Circle. Regions poleward of the Antarctic Circle belong to the frigid (polar) zone; regions equatorward of the Tropic of Capricorn belong to the tropical zone.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify southern markers: Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S) and Antarctic Circle (66.5° S).Recall definition: Temperate = between a tropic and a polar circle.Match to options: the correct bracket is Tropic of Capricorn ↔ Antarctic Circle.Select option that states exactly this pair.


Verification / Alternative check:
Any school atlas diagram of heat zones shows the temperate bands between 23.5° and 66.5° in each hemisphere, confirming the boundaries above.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Antarctic Circle and South Pole: That is the frigid/polar zone.
  • Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn: That is the tropical zone.
  • Tropic of Capricorn and the equator: Also tropical, not temperate.


Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up the southern markers or assuming symmetry but pairing the wrong lines. Remember: temperate sits between the near tropic and the near polar circle.


Final Answer:
the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic circle

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