In your own words, define CLIMATE. Do Now: In your own words, define CLIMATE.

Global Climate Factors Aim: What natural factors influence our climate?

Climate is….. the average, general weather conditions over a large area, over a period of time.

1) Latitude – position on Earth

1) Latitude – position on Earth High latitudes = Polar regions Cooler due to low angle of sun – spread out Drier because cooler air (does not hold as much water) and sinking air Low latitudes = equator/tropics Hotter due to direct rays of sun – intense heat Humid due to rising air, which creates clouds

As latitude ________, the average annual temperature _________. How does latitude affect climate? As latitude ________, the average annual temperature _________. increases decreases Temperature 0° Latitude 90°

2) Planetary Wind Belts Caused by unequal heating of earth, creating global circulation. curve due to the rotation of the Earth = Coriolis Effect ESRT p. 14

Winds and storms track from west to east Prevailing Southwesterlies cause: low pressure system to move towards the NE

3) Mountains as barriers – orographic effect Windward Leeward

Sierra Negra, Galápagos

Windward Side

Leeward Side

Wind coming from right (east) side Windward Side Leeward Side

Windward Side: ___________ Leeward Side: _____________ How does the Orographic Effect affect climate? Windward Side: ___________ Leeward Side: _____________ cool, moist warm, dry

The Lake Effect Snow is a result of a cold air mass moving over a comparatively warm body of water. Westerly winds Air rises, and cools Tug Hill Plataeu Lake Ontario The warm “lake” water evaporates and rises, providing moisture to the air mass. When the cold air mass moves over a higher elevation, such as New York’s Tug Hill Plateau, the clouds precipitate, typically in the form of snow.

4) Elevation Higher elevations are cooler.

We live in the troposphere. Temperature decreases Page 14 of the ESRTs We live in the troposphere. Temperature decreases with elevation.

As elevation _________, the average annual temperature __________. How does elevation affect climate? As elevation _________, the average annual temperature __________. increases decreases Temperature Elevation

5) Ocean Currents ESRT p. 4 East coasts of continents: warm ocean currents From equator toward poles West coasts of continents: cold ocean currents From poles toward equator

Warm Currents: warmer climate Cold Currents: cooler climate How do ocean currents affect climate? Warm Currents: warmer climate Cold Currents: cooler climate

Name the ocean current affecting Long Island. Use Page 4 Reference table: Name the ocean current affecting Long Island. Is it a warm or cool current? What current does it turn into as it continues north? How does that affect temperature of Europe?

Name the ocean current affecting Long Island. Gulf Stream Current Use Page 4 Reference table: Name the ocean current affecting Long Island. Gulf Stream Current Is it a warm or cool current? What current does it turn into as it continues north? How does that affect temperature of Europe?

Name the ocean current affecting Long Island. Gulf Stream Current Use Page 4 Reference table: Name the ocean current affecting Long Island. Gulf Stream Current Is it a warm or cool current? Warm What current does it turn into as it continues north? How does that affect temperature of Europe?

Name the ocean current affecting Long Island. Gulf Stream Current Use Page 4 Reference table: Name the ocean current affecting Long Island. Gulf Stream Current Is it a warm or cool current? Warm What current does it turn into as it continues north? North Atlantic Current How does that affect temperature of Europe?

Name the ocean current affecting Long Island. Gulf Stream Current Use Page 4 Reference table: Name the ocean current affecting Long Island. Gulf Stream Current Is it a warm or cool current? Warm What current does it turn into as it continues north? North Atlantic Current How does that affect temperature of Europe? Helps increase Europe’s temperature

6) Closeness to a large body of water

Coastal = water keeps temperatures moderate. Not extremely hot or cold!

Inland = not near water allows wide range of temperatures

Which city is…… Closer to the coast? B : How can you tell ? It has a smaller temperature range A B

Water __________ the temperature. _______ summers. _______ winters. How does closeness to a large body of water affect climate? Water __________ the temperature. _______ summers. _______ winters. moderates Cooler Warmer Cities A & B are located at the same latitude. City B is closer to a large body of water. Its temperature line is flatter (moderated). *Closer to a large body of water: Increase in precipitation

El Nino El Niño – unusually warm surface current in the Pacific that influences worldwide weather patterns (weak trade winds) La Niña – unusually cold surface current (strong trade winds) el Nino videos excellent