The Factors that Affect Climate

Climate Climate- average year to year conditions of temperature, precipitation, winds, and clouds in an area. Scientists use temperature and precipitation to describe the climate of a region. Microclimate- small area within an area that conditions differ from those around.

Continental Climates Have extreme temperatures (winters are cold and summers are warm or hot)

Marine Climates Much of North America’s west coast has a marine climate (mild winters and cool summers)

that effect temperature Identify four factors that effect temperature Latitude (location near equator) Altitude (elevation) 3. Distance from large bodies of water 4. Ocean currents

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

Latitude

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).

Ocean Effect

Mountain Ranges affect on Precipitation Windward side- rising and cools and water vapor condenses, forming clouds. Rain or snow falls on this side of the mountain. Leeward- when air moves over the mountains it has lost its water vapor, so its cool and dry (little or no precipitation on this side)

Windward Side: ___________ Leeward Side: _____________ What Effect does the Oceans have on An areas climate? Most precipitation falls on the windward side Windward Side: ___________ Leeward Side: _____________ cool, moist warm, dry

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

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

Elevation

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

Ocean Currents

Ocean Currents The Gulf Stream- begins in the Gulf of Mexico and flows up the east coast of the US. This affects our climate.

Types of zone Tropical zone- near the equator receives direct sunlight and is warm Polar zone- sun light strikes at a lower angle near the poles and is cold Temperate zone-lies between the tropical and polar zones (gets direct sun in summer and is warm or hot. Receives lower angle rays during the winter and can be cool or cold)

Tropical zone- Tropics have two types of rainy climates: tropical wet and tropical wet and dry

Savannas Scattered clumps of trees that can survive the dry season dot the coarse grasses.

Seasonal Winds Monsoons- winds that cover a large region that change directions with the seasons that causes excessive amounts of rain. (Asia)

Human Impact on Climate Change Greenhouse Effect Global Warming