Influences on Climate Why polar bears live in Alaska but not in Norway.

Climate The weather patterns an area typically experiences over a long period of time. The weather patterns an area typically experiences over a long period of time.

1.Latitude How near or far a place is from the Equator. How near or far a place is from the Equator. Climate gets cooler farther from the Equator. Climate gets cooler farther from the Equator.

2.Elevation Temperature decreases with altitude Temperature decreases with altitude Adiabatic cooling rate (3.5° F per 1000 ft.). Adiabatic cooling rate (3.5° F per 1000 ft.).

3.Wind & water currents Helps distribute the sun’s heat over the earth’s surface. Helps distribute the sun’s heat over the earth’s surface. Water bodies moderate climate on land because water changes temperature less rapidly than land. Water bodies moderate climate on land because water changes temperature less rapidly than land. Prevailing winds- determined by latitude & Earth’s rotation Prevailing winds- determined by latitude & Earth’s rotation

Coriolis Effect The deflection of winds & water currents due to the rotation of the earth. The deflection of winds & water currents due to the rotation of the earth. Opposite directions in northern & southern hemisphere. Opposite directions in northern & southern hemisphere.

4.Nearby Landforms Nearby Landforms (or lack thereof) block (or don’t) winds that affect climate. Nearby Landforms (or lack thereof) block (or don’t) winds that affect climate. Examples: Rainshadow effect; Siberia. Examples: Rainshadow effect; Siberia.