The equator is closer to the Sun. The equator has higher sea levels. The equator receives more direct sunlight. The equator rotates more quickly on Earth's axis.
I am hesitating between 4 options to answer the following question, which option should I choose?
Question: The ocean water near the equator absorbs more heat throughout the year than ocean water near the North Pole. Which of the following best explains this difference?
Possibilities:
- The equator is closer to the Sun.
- The equator has higher sea levels.
- The equator receives more direct sunlight.
- The equator rotates more quickly on Earth's axis.

The equator receives more direct sunlight.