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What affects climate? LATITUDE 1/2 • The amount of solar energy per unit of Earth’s surface area depends on latitude. • Earth’s curved surface causes latitudes closer to the equator to receive more direct sunlight than latitudes farther north or south. What affects climate? LATITUDE 2/2 • Latitudes near the poles receive less solar energy and have lower average temperatures. • Latitudes near the equator tend to have warmer climates than higher latitudes. What affects climate? RAIN SHADOW • Mountains influence climate because they are barriers to prevailing winds. • An area of low rainfall on the downwind slope of a mountain is called a rain shadow. What affects climate? ALTITUDE • Climate is influenced by altitude. • Temperature decreases as altitude increases in the troposphere. What affects climate? WATER 1/2 • Because land heats and cools more quickly than water, climates along coastlines to remain somewhat constant. • Prevailing winds extend the moderate temperatures farther inland. What affects climate? WATER 1/2 • Ocean currents modify climate. • The Gulf Stream is a warm, northward current along the east coast of North America. • The Gulf Stream brings warmer temperatures to portions of the United States and Europe. What affects climate? MICROCLIMATE • A microclimate is a localized climate that is different from the climate of the larger area surrounding it. • Cities are often warmer than the surrounding area. • A city’s roads and buildings absorb solar radiation http://readingtonscience.wikispaces.com/