California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

 Many different climates › Desert Climate › Alpine Climate › Semiarid Steppe Climate › Marine Climate

 The climates are effected by the mountains and the coast. › As the moist air from the ocean gets towards the mountains it rises. › As the air rises it cools. › The cool air cannot hold the moisture and therefore drops it in the form of rain and snow on the west side of the mountains. › Let’s look at the picture on page 325 in our book. Discuss with your group what happens.

 The equator also effects the climate.  The closer you get to the equator (the further south you go) the warmer it gets.  Why do you think that is?

 Dividing border between the Midwest and the West.  The Rocky Mountains get their name from their sharp peaks.  The Rocky Mountains often have snow on the highest peaks year round because they are so high.