The weather conditions in an area in general and over Climate The weather conditions in an area in general and over a long period of time (ex. Years).

The Factors that Affect Climate ©Mark Place, 2009-2010 www.LearnEarthScience.com

Latitude

As latitude ________, the average annual temperature _________. How does latitude affect climate? As latitude ________, the average annual temperature _________. increases decreases Temperature 0° Latitude 90°

Closeness to Large Bodies of Water

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Water __________ the temperature. _______ summers. _______ winters. How does closeness to a large body of water affect climate? Water __________ the temperature. _______ summers. _______ winters. moderates Cooler Warmer Cities A & B are located at the same latitude. City B is closer to a large body of water. Its temperature line is flatter (moderated).

Orographic Effect - Dry-adiabatic lapse rate = rate at which unsaturated air cools as it rises (10°C/km) - Moist-adiabatic lapse rate = rate at which saturated air cools as it rises (5-9°C/km)

Example - Death Valley: Orographic Effect Example - Death Valley: You Can Die Here Lush rainforests form on the WINDWARD side of a mountain while rain shadow deserts form on the LEEWARD side.

Orographic Effect The leeward sides of the Adirondacks & Catskills receive much less precipitation The windward sides of the Adirondacks & Catskills receive a great deal more precipitation

Windward Side: ___________ Leeward Side: _____________ How does the Orographic Effect affect climate? Windward Side: ___________ Leeward Side: _____________ cool, moist warm, dry

Elevation During summer, temperature is strongly controlled by elevation -- cold at the higher reaches of the Alaska and Brooks Ranges, and warmer in the lowlands.

As elevation _________, the average annual temperature __________. How does elevation affect climate? As elevation _________, the average annual temperature __________. increases decreases Temperature Elevation

Ocean Currents

Warm Currents: warmer climate Cold Currents: cooler climate How do ocean currents affect climate? Warm Currents: warmer climate Cold Currents: cooler climate Visualization of Ocean Currents

The Gulf Stream

California current Cold South England The British Isles are affected by the warm North Atlantic Current, which warms the surrounding land. Clockwise Counter-clockwise

Global Wind Belts 30oN or 30oS