Aspect refers to the direction the slope faces. Slopes facing which direction tend to be warmer and drier?

The correct choice indicates that slopes facing the southwest tend to be warmer and drier. This is due to several factors involving solar radiation and climatic patterns. When a slope faces southwest, it receives more direct sunlight throughout the day, especially in the afternoon when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. This increased exposure to sunlight not only raises the temperature of the slope but also leads to decreased moisture retention, making these areas prone to drier conditions compared to slopes facing other directions.

In contrast, slopes that face northeast or north generally receive less direct sunlight, especially in the mornings or during the colder months, and are therefore cooler and can retain more moisture. Southeast-facing slopes might receive good sunlight but not as much as those facing southwest, thus are not as warm or dry as southwest-facing slopes.

In summary, the southwest-facing slopes’ enhanced exposure to sunlight plays a critical role in creating warmer and drier conditions, emphasizing the significance of aspect in forestry and ecological studies.