What factors influence climate?

Weather vs. Climate LONG term Daily temperature, precipitation An area’s short term conditions over hours or days LONG term Weather conditions over a long period of time “Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” - Mark Twain

Three major factors that determine how air circulates… Uneven heating of the earth’s surface by the sun (equator taking “direct hit” – hotter, poles – sunlight strikes at an angle, more spread out – colder) Rotation of the earth on its axis – equator spins faster, air is deflected, hot air rises north & south, but is deflected to the east & west = prevailing winds Interaction of air, wind, land – creates giant convection cells (6) – affects climate and pattern of vegetation (remember biomes?)

Let’s look at winds…

So, what is El Nino? (ENSO)