What is a climagraph? A graph of the monthly mean temperature, temperature range and precipitation of a particular city. Always includes as its title the name of the city, latitude and elevation (in ft and m).

M.E.L.L.O.W. Controls of Temperature Mountains Elevation Latitude #1-Most influential Land vs. Water Ocean Currents Wind and Pressure Belts

Mountains

Mountains continued Windward SideLeeward Side

Elevation The air is rare up there! Decrease pressure, decrease temperature. The RANGE stays the same!

Latitude Rays and days! Strength of the sun’s rays and the length of the days are the number 1 factor in heating the Earth. Closer to equator, there are stronger rays and more consistent day length. So, in general… increase latitude, decrease average temperature.

Land vs. Water Land heats up and cools down FASTER than water. –Water has a HIGH specific heat- takes more energy to heat one gram one degree celsius. –Water is transparent-light can travel through it. Land is opaque. –Water can convect heat throughout. Land CANNOT convect and it does NOT conduct very well.

Ocean Currents Recall: The Sun heats the Earth and the Earth heats the air. Warm ocean currents will heat the air above. Wind belts can then move that warm air

Climagraph- Ocean Current New York London

Wind & Pressure Belts