1. Climate Climate Latitude
The average weather condition in an area over a long period of time
Determined by temperature and precipitation
Others factors that affect climate include: latitude, wind patterns, mountains, large bodies of water, and ocean currents
The distance north or south of the equator, expressed in degrees
The closer you are to the equator the more solar radiation you get
As you move away from the equator the temperature falls

2. Occur because the Earth is tilted on its axis.
Seasons
Prevailing winds
Occur because the Earth is tilted on its axis.
The tilt affects how much solar energy each area of the Earth receives.
Areas around the equator have only one season
Areas farther away can have up to four seasons
Winds that blow mainly from one direction
Winds that form from warm air will carry moisture
Winds that form from cold air will be dry

3. As elevation increases, temperature decreases
Mountains
As elevation increases, temperature decreases
Mountain have wet sides and dry sides.
On the wet side the air is moving up and over the mountains so it cools and forms rain
On the dry side the air is sinking lower, drying out and warming up
Mountains affect climate by influencing the amount of precipitation in an area

4. Large Bodies of Water
Water absorbs and releases heat slower then land does
This helps to moderate the temperatures of the land around the water.
Water also increases the moisture content in the air which leads to heavy snowfall in winter

5. Ocean Currents
Circulation of ocean surface currents has a large effect on an area’s climate
Surface currents are stream like movements of water that occur at or near the surface of the ocean
These currents carry warm or cool water to different locations
Warm water will create warmer temperatures and cold water will create cooler temperatures

6. Within these zones are biomes
Climate Zones
Three major climate zones, tropical , temperate , and polar 66.5 – 90
Each zones has a temperature range that relates to its latitude
Within these zones are biomes
A biome is a large region characterized by a specific type of climate and certain types of plant and animal communities