WATER

http://water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle.html (explains precipitation etc) Why does Australia have such a low rainfall and dry climate? See next slide to find out.

Why does the earth have different Climates?

Latitude Equator Latitude is the distance from the equator either to the North or the South. Near the equator is hot and wet, the further away you go, the cooler and drier the climate.

Proximity to the ocean The distance from the ocean affects climate because wind off the ocean is cooler that off the land and also carries more moisture to the evaporation from the water.

Altitude Altitude is the height above sea level. The higher up a mountain you go, the colder it will be.

World Climate Zones Equator

World Climate Zones Equator Tropical zones …along the equator

World Climate Zones Equator Arid (desert) zones …25 ½ N & S of the equator o

World Climate Zones Equator Highland zones …where the mountains are is doesn’t matter what the latitude is, they are so high up they are cooler than the surrounding land.

Different Types of Rainfall http://www.curriculumbits.com/prodimages/details/geography/types-of-rainfall.html