1. Objective: To know that climate is often defined by annual temperatures and precipitation amounts.

2.  Climate is the long term average of weather patterns of an area that includes temperature, wind, and precipitation.

3.  Earth’s climate is classified into different regions.  Cold polar tundra  Dry desert  Mediterranean  Humid subtropical  Highland  Humid continental  Marine  Ex: A Mediterranean climate is mild, wet winters, and hot dry summers  Ex: A highland climate is cool to cold temperatures and occurs in the mountains and on high plateaus.

4.  Earth’s climates are shaped by the energy received from the sun.  Latitude and altitude, & mountain barriers, also affect climate.  Latitude: High latitudes receive les solar radiation & have lower average temperatures. As latitude decrease, average temperatures increase.  Distribution of Land & Water: Land surfaces heat and cool rapidly. Ocean surfaces heat and cool slowly.  Ocean Currents: redistribute heat around the Earth.  Prevailing Winds: Influence climate by moving air, heat, and water vapor around Earth.  Human Influences on Climate: Burning fossil fuels releases the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This could lead to an increases average temperatures at Earth’s surface.