1. Climate

2. Climate
The condition of the atmosphere over a long period of time.

3. Climate Zones Classified by temperature and precipitation
3 main climate zones:
Tropical
Mid-latitude or Temperate
Polar

4. Factors Effecting Climate
Latitude
Global Wind Currents
Proximity to Water
Elevation

5. 1. Latitude
Different latitudes on Earth’s surface receive different amounts of solar energy, which determines temperature

7. 2. Global Wind Currents
Belts of cool, dense air (high pressure) form at latitudes near the poles
Belts of warm, lighter air (low pressure) form at the equator
Pressure differences due to unequal heating create convection currents, or wind.

8. Coriolis Effect
The tendency of an object to follow a curved path rather than a straight path because of the rotation of the Earth.
Wind blowing from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas curve as a result.

9. 3. Proximity to Water
Currents carry warm water and air temperatures towards coastlines
Areas near the ocean tend to have a milder winter and a cooler summer.

11. 4. Elevation As you go up in elevation the temperature becomes colder
Mountains act as a barrier to air movements and moisture
Mrs. C