Atmosphere & Climate Part 2 Mr. Sierra

Climate How is climate different from weather? Weather changes every day & every moment It is simply what is happening in the atmosphere at a particular moment & place Climate is the average temperature and precipitation (weather) in an area over a long period of time.

Climate

Climate Factors What factors determine climate? 1.Latitude (distance from Equator) 2.Atmospheric Circulation 3.Ocean Circulation 4.Local Geography (mountains, valleys, lakes, etc.)

Climate Factors 1.Latitude 1.Latitude (distance from Equator) When we studied about “biomes” in the first quarter, you may have noticed that rainforests, deserts and frozen forests occur at specific latitudes around the Earth. This is largely due to the amount of sunlight they receive and how much humidity is in the air (including precipitation).

Climate Factors 2.Atmospheric Circulation –Convection: hot air ________ / cold air ________ -Coriolis Effect: -Rotation of the earth causes curving patterns in wind and ocean currents. Rises Sinks

Climate Factors 3.Ocean Circulation –Surface Currents –Deep Ocean Currents

Deep Ocean Currents

Climate Factors 4.Local Geography Generally, being close to water increases humidity in the air and chances for precipitation Generally, being close to water increases humidity in the air and chances for precipitation Depending on the direction of the wind, mountains thrust clouds to higher altitudes, causing them to drop moisture on the windward side, resulting in a dry “rain shadow” on the downwind side. Depending on the direction of the wind, mountains thrust clouds to higher altitudes, causing them to drop moisture on the windward side, resulting in a dry “rain shadow” on the downwind side.

Climate Change

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