Climate

Today’s Goals: Define the term climate. What factors influence the climate of an area? Identify the location and characteristics of four basic climate zones Interpret Climate Graphs to determine climate zones

Climate Average weather conditions at a location over a long period of time. Average weather conditions at a location over a long period of time. Determined by average temperature and amount of precipitation. Determined by average temperature and amount of precipitation.

4 Factors Affecting Climate (Temperature & Precipitation)

Why do the following locations have different climates? Brazil, South America Russia

1.Latitude Uneven heating from equator to poles

Why do the following locations in France have different climates? Tignes, France

2.Elevation temperature drops the higher your elevation

Why do the following locations at similar latitudes and elevation in the U.S. have different climates? Portland Minneapolis

3. Distance from Large Bodies of Water (oceans, seas, large lakes) oceans hold their heat longer creating mild coastal climates (ex: Portland – see graph below) oceans hold their heat longer creating mild coastal climates (ex: Portland – see graph below)

Newfoundland Scilly Isles Why do the following coastal locations at similar latitudes have different climates?

4. Ocean Currents Warm-water currents warm coastal climates Warm-water currents warm coastal climates –Ex – Labrador Current and Natashquan Cold-water currents cool coastal climates. Cold-water currents cool coastal climates. –Ex – London and Gulf Stream Gulf Stream

FOUR Basic Climate Zones Based on Temperature & Precipitation Usually found at the latitudes listed below Tropical – (0-25 degrees latitude) Tropical – (0-25 degrees latitude) Desert (Arid) – (25-35 degrees latitude) Desert (Arid) – (25-35 degrees latitude) Temperate – (35-60 degrees latitude) Temperate – (35-60 degrees latitude) Polar – (60-90 degrees latitude) Polar – (60-90 degrees latitude)

FOUR Basic Climate Zones

Tropical – (0-25 degrees latitude) Temperature = warm year round Temperature = warm year round Precipitation = high levels of precipitation Precipitation = high levels of precipitation

Desert (Arid) – (25-35 degrees latitude) Temperature = hot during the day Temperature = hot during the day Precipitation = low levels Precipitation = low levels

Temperate – (35-60 degrees latitude) Temperature = seasonal variation Temperature = seasonal variation Precipitation = moderate to seasonal Precipitation = moderate to seasonal

Polar – (60-90 degrees latitude) Temperature = cold year round Temperature = cold year round Precipitation = low levels Precipitation = low levels

Reading a Climate Graph READ ONLY - Climate graphs are used to illustrate the average temperature and rainfall experienced at a particular place over the course of a year. The graphs consist of a red line graph showing average monthly temperature, and a simple column graph showing average monthly rainfall figures. Rainfall is, by tradition, shown in blue. Which of the FOUR climate zones are both Portland & Minneapolis?

ANSWER - Both Portland AND Minneapolis are considered TEMPERATE. Both Portland AND Minneapolis are considered TEMPERATE.

Climate Activity Directions: Complete the Climate Activity (#1-25) on the back of your Climate Worksheet with a partner. Complete the Climate Activity (#1-25) on the back of your Climate Worksheet with a partner. You will need the “Climate Activity” Packet provided by your teacher to complete the questions. You will need the “Climate Activity” Packet provided by your teacher to complete the questions. PLEASE DO NOT WRITE ON THE PACKET. PLEASE DO NOT WRITE ON THE PACKET. Return the packet to the teacher at the end of class. Return the packet to the teacher at the end of class. If you do not finish you can access the Climate Activity packet on my School Wires site. If you do not finish you can access the Climate Activity packet on my School Wires site.

Climate Change

El Nino El Nino (impact on global climate for 1-2 yrs) Dry conditions in the western Pacific (Australia & Indonesia)Dry conditions in the western Pacific (Australia & Indonesia) Heavy rainfall in South America (Peru) & Southern U.S.Heavy rainfall in South America (Peru) & Southern U.S. Mild winter temps in Northern U.S.Mild winter temps in Northern U.S.

Volcanic Eruption Volcanic Eruption (1-100s of yrs depending on size of eruption) Volcanic dust & sulfur dioxide blocks solar energy

Meteor Impact Meteor Impact (similar to volcanic eruptions)

Global Warming Global Warming (human impact on atmosphere, could be 100s of yrs)

Ice Ages Ice Ages (1000s of yrs)

Ice Age (from ocean current “conveyor belt”)

Continental Drift Continental Drift (millions of yrs)