{ Section 4.1 Climate is a long-term weather pattern

 Climate: the characteristic weather conditions in a place over a long period of time.  Latitude: the distance in degrees north or south of the equator.  Marine Climates: occur near the ocean.  Continental Climates: occur in the interior of continents.  Ocean Currents: streams of water that flow through oceans in regular patterns.  Seasons: periods of the year associated with specific weather conditions, such as temperature or rain. Vocabulary

 All parts of weather make up climate, including wind, humidity, and sunshine.  Meteorologists focus on patterns of temperature and precipitation when they classify climate.  Four key geographical factors affect temperature: latitude, altitude, distance from large bodies of water, and ocean currents. Geography affects climate

Latitude

Altitude

 Because land heats up and cools off faster than water, coastal regions tend to have milder climates.  Oregon and Minneapolis are the lame latitude, but have very different climates. Portland is a marine climate while Minneapolis is a continental climate. Marine vs. Continental Climates

 Ocean currents transfer energy, causing areas of the same latitude to have different climate patterns. Ocean Currents

 Temperature and precipitation patterns (seasonal changes) are part of a climate. This determines the type of flora and fauna present in a geographical location. Seasons