1. Climate
Chapter 21

2. Climate
General conditions of temperature and precipitation for an area over a long period of time
Depends on
Temperature
Precipitation

3. Factors that affect Climate
LATITUDE
When latitude INCREASES, energy from the sun DECREASES.
Divides Earth into three major regions
Tropical Zone – between 23.5o N and 23.5o S of the equator
Temperate Zone – between 23.5o and 66.5o (N and S)
Polar Zone – between 66.5o and the poles (N and S)

4. Climate Zones based on Latitude

5. Factors that affect Climate
ELEVATION
When elevation INCREASES, temperature DECREASES
TOPOGRAPHY
Land features affect amounts of precipitation
Windward sides of mountains receive HIGHER precipitation
Leeward sides of mountains receive LOWER precipitation

6. Impact of Mountains on Climate

7. Factors that affect Climate
Bodies of Water (Lakes and Oceans)
Moderates temperature – small range between lows and highs
Increases precipitation – especially on leeward side
Global Winds
Distributes heat and moisture
Determines windward and leeward sides

8. Factors that affect Climate
Vegetation (Plant Life)
Impacts both temperatures and precipitation
Depends on kind and amount of plant life

9. Changes in Climate Volcanic Eruptions Ocean circulation Solar Activity
Earth’s Motions
Greenhouse Effect
Global Warming / Human Influence

10. Climates and Ecosystems
Climate (temperature and precipitation) determine the ecosystem present in an area
Different ecosystems support different kinds of plant and animal life
Ecosystems are classified into BIOMES