Objective 3.1 Unit Notes

The ROTATION of the Earth causes day and night.

Earth's Rotation around its Axis Earth rotates around its own axis Through 360° once every 24 hours. This is the cause of day and night. The Earth's polar axis tilts at an angle of 23,5° with its orbital plane around the sun. This inclination (tilt) is responsible for the climate changes and the seasons experienced on Earth.   

As the Earth revolves around the Sun, the part of Earth that points toward the Sun changes. The part of the Earth pointing toward the Sun is having summer and the part of the Earth pointing away from the Sun is experiencing winter.

The equator always receives DIRECT sunlight and is therefore always hotter. The poles always receive ANGLED (indirect) sunlight and are always colder.

The Earth is divided into 3 major climate zones. These zones are divided based on temperature and precipitation.

Factors that Influence Climate 1.Latitude – how far an area is away from the equator. (The further north or south of the equator you are, the colder the climate will be.)

Tilt of the Earth – Earth is tilted at a 23. 5 degree angle Tilt of the Earth – Earth is tilted at a 23.5 degree angle. Areas around the equator receive direct sunlight year round. 3. Prevailing Winds – winds from different areas carry different temperature air.

Large Bodies of Water – water holds heat better than land and the prevailing winds carry the heat/cold to ot her areas. 5. Ocean Currents – currents carry warm or cold air to other parts of the world.

Mountains – affect the temperature and amount of precipitation of an area.