At the poles, the atmospheric conditions are best described as...

• A. Stable and warm
• B. Cold and dry
• C. Humid and mild
• D. Changeable and turbulent

Answer: (B)

The atmospheric conditions at the poles are indeed best described as cold and dry. This is primarily due to the unique characteristics of polar regions, where the sun's rays strike at a very shallow angle, resulting in minimal heating. Consequently, temperatures are generally low, leading to cold air masses that dominate the region.

In addition to the cold temperatures, the poles experience extremely low humidity levels, which contributes to the dryness of the air. The presence of large ice and snow sheets further influences the local climate, as they reflect sunlight and help maintain the frigid conditions. Precipitation in polar regions is minimal, mostly occurring as snow, which reinforces the dry conditions.

The other options describe climates that are not characteristic of the poles. The idea of stable and warm conditions does not align with the persistent cold temperatures found in these areas. Humid and mild weather is more typical of temperate regions, where moisture and warmer temperatures are prevalent. Changeable and turbulent weather might be more representative of mid-latitude regions where fronts and storms are common, but at the poles, conditions are much more stable and dominated by extremes of cold. Thus, cold and dry is the most accurate characterization of polar atmospheric conditions.