Ch 17 Section 3 Climate

Climate Climate means the long-term average of weather conditions—wind, temperature, precipitation, moisture, and other aspects of weather.

Biogeophysical system Biosphere- everything organic, including plants, animals and humans Hydrophere- is liquid water in oceans, lakes, rivers, soil and underground Cryosphere- is frozen water in snow, ice, and glaciers Lithosphere- solid earth including soil, rocks and mantle.

Cause of Climate Latitude is the primary factor that determines climate at a given location. The angle of sunlight at the different latitudes is why climate is different.

Ocean and Land Influence Continental Climates- Temperature can vary greatly Maritime Climate- Temperature varies little. Summers are cooler Winters are warmer Difference in locations can have a big effect on the climate even at the same latitude.

At the same latitudes you can have a very big forest or a desert.

Precipitation Humid climates are associated with low-pressure areas in the tropics and middle latitudes. Rainfall is greater near the equator because of the trade winds. Arid climates are associated with high pressure areas.

Influence of Mountains Mountains block weather systems Cause lee rain shadow Why on the other side of mountains it is much dryer.

Influence of Water A sea breeze blows from the water toward the land in the afternoon, when the land is warmer than the water. Warm air rises over land; allowing cool air form the sea to move toward the land. Reverse happens at night

Types of Climates Cold or Boreal Arid or semi-arid Subtropical or tropical

Types of Climates