Factors influencing climate The main factors influencing climate, and which determine the Earth’s climate zones, are latitude and altitude. Latitude is the distance from any point on the Earth to the equator. The lower the latitude (closer to the equator), the higher the temperature. Altitude is expressed in terms of height above sea level. The lower the altitude, the warmer the temperature..

The climate zones There are five climate zones on Earth, based on differences in latitude. Cold zone Temperate zone Warm zone Equator Temperate zone Cold zone Click on each zone to find out more

Go back to the Start menu The cold zones Cold zone Tropic of Cancer Equator Tropic of Capricorn Cold zone There are two cold zones on Earth, corresponding to the two poles. They are also located in the high mountains on Earth . Temperatures are low throughout the year, since these areas receive less solar energy than the zones located at high latitudes. Go back to the Start menu

Go back to the Start menu The temperate zones Temperate zone Tropic of Cancer Equator Tropic of Capricorn Temperate zone There are also two temperate zones, between the tropics and the Arctic and Antarctic Circles: these correspond to the zones at medium latitudes. Temperatures there are moderate: high in summer and low in winter. Go back to the Start menu

The warm zone Tropic of Cancer Equator Warm zone Tropic of Capricorn The warm zone is located between the tropics of Cancer and of Capricorn. As a result of their low latitudes, they receive more solar energy, and temperatures remain very high throughout the year. Go back to the Start menu