Factors Affecting Climate Explain how factors affecting climate influence temperature, precipitation and distribution of climate regions.

What is climate? Weather conditions at a particular location over a period of time. Average temperature and rainfall of a location. Different climates create different “biomes”(ecosystems) in the world.

“LAMECOWS” L – Latitude A – Air Pressure M – Mountain Barriers E – Elevation C – Continental Location O – Ocean Currents W – Wind Belts S - Storms

Latitude The closer a location is to the equator, the warmer the temperature. The north and south poles are the furthest points from the equator…this is why it is so cold!

Air Pressure Air pressure refers to the temperature and density of the air. Low Pressure Systems – usually produce clouds, precipitation and other bad weather. High Pressure Systems – usually produce clear skies and calm weather.

Mountain Barriers Winds filled with moisture cool as they move up the side of a mountain releasing rain or snow. On the other side, they are warm and dry as they flow down the mountain.

Elevation Elevation is the distance above sea level. The average temperature drops 3.5 degrees every 1,000 feet. The higher the elevation, the colder the climate.

Continental Location This refers to where you are on a continent. Locations near the coast will most likely have more precipitation. Locations inland or surrounded by land will be drier. Temperature of the ocean only affects climates in coastal areas.

Ocean Currents Ocean currents move in large circular systems. Warm waters flow away from the equator toward the poles. Cold waters flow back toward the equator. Not only affects the temperature of an area but also the amount of precipitation.

Wind Belts Wind currents help distribute the sun’s heat from one part of the world to another. Hot air moves away from the equator toward the poles. Cold air moves toward the equator.

Storms Climate is affected in areas which experience storms often. Hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, etc. all occur more often in areas with particular types of climate.