CLIMATE Climate- the characteristic weather of a region. Climate is determined by averaging the weather over a long period of time, such as 30 years. Factors include: temperature, precipitation, air pressure, humidity and days of sunshine.

CLIMATE Factors that affect climate: Latitude- impacts the amount of radiation received. Tropics- (23.5 north and 23.5 south) receive the most radiation. Polar zones- (poles to 66.5 north and south latitudes) receive the least radiation. Temperate zones- (between tropics and polar zones) receive moderate radiation.

CLIMATE 2. Topographic Features Mountains- At the same latitude, the climate is colder in the mountains than at sea level. Rain falls on the windward side and does not on the leeward side.

Trip to Pike’s Peak

CLIMATE 3.Large bodies of water- Water heats and cools more slowly than land. Coastal regions are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than inland areas of similar latitude. Warm ocean currents warm the climates of nearby land. Cold ocean currents cool the climates of nearby land. Coasts tend to have wetter climates than inland areas.

Maritime Climate

CLIMATE 4. Large cities- Solar radiation that strikes cities is absorbed by pavement and buildings. Temperatures in the city can be 10 higher than in surrounding areas. Storms can be higher in frequency because of these higher temperatures.