Depending on where you are on Earth, the climate can be very, very different. Make a list of things that you believe affect the climate in a certain area. BELLWORK
Climate What is it, and what factors affect it?
In this lesson, students will… 1)Identify five factors affecting climate 2)Explain how each factor affects climate 3)Predict the climate of a city based on its location Objectives
Weather refers to a short period of time Climate refers to the average weather over a long period of time Climate vs. Weather
latitude - distance of a location from the equator Latitude As the latitude increases (further from the equator) the average temperature decreases
Water regulates the temperature in locations near oceans or large lakes. This can result in cooler summers and warmer winters in these locations. Proximity to Bodies of Water
If someone asked you to describe the climate in Clinton, what would you say? Temperature in SC Cities (TPS) How do you think the climate would be different in Charleston?
Average Temperature in SC Cities Clinton Charleston
Climate can be very different on two sides of the same mountain range. Orographic Effect Leeward dry and slightly warmer Windward moist and slightly cooler
Areas on the leeward side of a mountain that receive very little rain are called rain shadows. Rain Shadows
We measure the elevation of locations based on how high they are compared to sea level. Higher elevations result in lower temperatures. Elevation
Can you tell where the mountain ranges are? Temperature Map
Ocean Currents (TPS) California is on a similar latitude to South Carolina Yet our oceans are warm, while theirs are uncomfortably cold. Why?
California’s ocean is fed by cold ocean currents coming from up North! Differing Ocean Temperatures
In this game, you will predict the average temperature and rainfall in an American city based on your knowledge of factors that affect climate. Whichever pair is closest wins! Game: Predict the Climate
July High in Clinton: 91 degrees F January Low in Clinton: 29 degrees F Average Precipitation in Clinton: 49 in Use this data as a comparison for your predictions! Important Information
Miami, Florida elevation - 6 feet
July High - 91 degrees January Low - 60 degrees Avg. Precipitation - 62 inches Miami Climate
Phoenix, Arizona elevation - 1,117 feet
Phoenix Climate July High degrees January Low - 35 degrees Avg. Precipitation - 7 inches
Denver, Colorado elevation - 5,280 feet
July High - 86 degrees January Low - 21 degrees Avg. Precipitation - 67 inches Denver Climate
Boston, Massachusetts elevation - 19 ft
July High - 81 degrees January Low - 22 degrees Avg. Precipitation inches Boston Climate