Download Factors Affecting Climate

Chapter 3
Section 2
Latitude and Climate

How does Latitude influence Climate?
 Earth/sun relationship
○ More or less direct sun based on Latitude
 Bands or Zones group climates by Latitude
Low Latitudes

Between the Tropics
 Northern Boundary = Tropic of Cancer
 Southern Boundary = Tropic of Capricorn
Always receive direct rays
 Warm to hot temperatures
 Known as “The Tropics”

High Latitudes
North of the Artic Circle
 South of the Antarctic Circle

 Experience continuous but indirect sunlight
for 6 months of the year
 Never receives
direct sun rays
Mid-Latitudes
Tropic of Cancer north to Artic Circle
 Tropic of Capricorn south to Antarctic
Circle

 Most variable weather
 Temperate
○ Lacking extremes
Elevation and Climate


Elevation: distance
above sea level
Thinner air holds
less heat
 -3.5 F for every
1000ft
Wind Currents

Wind= air moving across the face of the
earth
 Occurs due to uneven heating of
atmosphere and surface
 High pressure and low pressure
○ Create movement of air masses
Wind Patterns

Prevailing winds
 Global winds in consistent patterns
 Determined by latitude and Earth’s movement

Coriolis Effect
 Directionality of winds in Southern and Northern
Hemispheres
○ Prevailing winds
blow diagonally

Trade winds
The Horse Latitudes

Doldrums
 Generally windless area around the equator
○ Also north and south of the tropics

Ships were stranded
 Dwindling supplies
 Need to Lighten
the load
Ocean Currents
Currents: predictable steams of warm
and cold water moving through the
ocean
 Causes:

 Earth’s rotation
 Changing air pressure
 Differences in water temperature

Coriolis Effect
Weather and the Water cycle

Water affects and is affected by Temperature

Evaporation
Condensation
Precipitation
El Nino

A periodic change in the pattern of
ocean currents and water temperature in
the Mid-Pacific
 Reverse of Air pressure over the Pacific
 Domino Effect
Landforms and Climate
Same latitude + different land forms =
different climate
 Large Bodies of Water

 High Specific Heat
 More consistent temperatures
Land Forms and Climate cont.

Mountain Ranges: Air rises to pass over
mountains affecting temperature and
precipitation
 Windward: side facing the wind
 Leeward: opposite side not facing wind

Rain Shadow: Dry area found on leeward
side of Mountains
Review

What Factors affect climate?