Climate Maps and Climate

Key terms Humidity – The amount of evaporated water contained in the air. Lee – The side the wind is blowing away from. Windward – The side the wind is blowing onto.

Temperature Term and Definition Question Range: Areas with a large temperature range probably have seasons with significant differences. Average: Areas with a high average temperature are likely to be closer to the Equator. (Low latitudes) Areas with low temperature averages are likely to be closer to the Poles. (High latitudes) What is true of Biomes with large temperature ranges? High temperature areas are found where? Low Temperature zones are found where?

Latitude Term and Definition Question What does latitude measure? Latitude indicates distance to the North or the South of the Equator. As distance from the equator increases: Direct sunlight decreases. Seasons become more extreme. Temperatures drop The length of daylight hours becomes more variable through the year. What does latitude measure? As latitude increases, what happens to: Direct sunlight? Seasons? Average Temperatures? Daylight hours?

Altitude Question What is altitude? Term and Definition Question Altitude is the distance from sea level. As altitude increases, temperature decreases. As altitude increases, humidity decreases. What is altitude? How does altitude affect temperature? How does altitude affect humidity?

Precipitation Term and Definition Question Precipitation is when evaporated water condenses back into a solid or liquid phase and falls back to the Earth’s surface. Precipitation cannot happen without evaporated water in the air. What is precipitation? What does precipitation require?

Proximity to Water Term and Definition Question Land next to large bodies of water: experiences more precipitation as sunlight evaporates nearby water. Has more stable temperatures as the water absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night. How does precipitation change close to water? How does temperature change close to water?

Geographical Effects Term and Definition Question Inland areas are usually drier/have low humidity. As air moves over mountain ranges, moisture precipitates out. Areas on the windward side of mountains are more humid, on the lee side more dry. Inland areas have what type of humidity? What happens to air as it travels over mountains? How does the windward side of a mountain compare to the leeward side?