1. 5 Themes of Geography: Place
The Earth’s Climate
5 Themes of Geography: Place

2. Weather v. Climate
Weather = constant changes in the air during a short period of time
Climate = the usual pattern of weather events in an area over a long period of time
Determined by latitude
Is the location close to water?
Is the locations close to mountains?

3. Latitude and Climate
The earth’s tilt and rotation cause different regions to receive different amounts of heat and light from the sun
Direct rays fall year-round at low latitudes close to the equator
Between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn
If you lived in the tropics, you would almost always enjoy a hot climate, unless you lived at a high elevation

6. Latitude and Climate
Outside of the tropics the sun is never directly overhead
In high-latitude regions around the North and South poles, darkness descends for six months each year.
The climates are cool or cold even in midsummer

7. Tropical Climates Located around the equator
Warm tropical region can be separated into two different parts
Tropical Rain Forest – wet all year-round
Tropical Savanna Climate – a wet and a dry season

8. Mid-Latitude Climates
Middle latitude climates are located between 30 degrees south/north and 60 degrees south/north
Most people live in this region
Variety of climates = mix of air masses
In most places, temperatures change with the seasons
Wisconsin – Humid Continental Climate
Away from the oceans
Long, harsh winters
Short, hot summers

9. High Latitude Climates
From 60 degrees to the poles
Climates are generally cold everywhere
Some are more severe than others

10. Dry Climates
Dry or partially dry areas that receive little or no rainfall
Temperatures can be extremely hot during the day and cold at night
They can also have severely cold winters