The vast climate difference between the inner canyon and the north rim of the Grand Canyon can be primarily attributed to their difference in elevation.
To understand this, let’s consider the information provided:
- The inner canyon has an average elevation of 2,100 feet.
- The north rim has an average elevation of 8,000 feet.
Now, look at the temperature data:
- In July, the inner canyon has an average temperature of [tex]\(107^{\circ} F\)[/tex], while the north rim has an average temperature of [tex]\(77^{\circ} F\)[/tex].
- In January, the inner canyon has an average temperature of [tex]\(56^{\circ} F\)[/tex], while the north rim has an average temperature of [tex]\(37^{\circ} F\)[/tex].
We can see that there is a considerable drop in temperature as elevation increases. This phenomenon can be explained by the lapse rate in atmospheric science, where the temperature generally decreases with an increase in altitude. For every 1,000 feet increase in elevation, the temperature typically drops by approximately 3.5 to 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the specific atmospheric conditions.
Given this information, the correct and most relevant reason for the vast climate difference is:
C. The north rim is higher than the inner canyon.
Therefore, due to its higher elevation, the north rim experiences cooler temperatures compared to the inner canyon.
