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Earth’s Climate S6E2. Students will understand the effects of the relative positions of the earth, moon, and sun. c. Relate the tilt of the earth to the distribution of sunlight throughout the year and its effect on climate Objective (s): 1. SWBAT analyze the tilt of the earth to the distribution of sunlight throughout the year IOT understand its effects on climate. 2. SWBAT analyze the tilt of the earth to the distribution of sunlight throughout the year IOT compare and contrast the different climate regions found on Earth. What is the difference between weather & climate? Weather: Condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time (short term). Climate: Average conditions of temperature, precipitation, winds and clouds in an area (long term). What Causes Climate? Mainly, there two factors that describe the climate of a region: 1. Temperature (cold or warm climate) 2. Precipitation (dry or humid climate) Factors Affecting Temperature 1. Latitude 2. Altitude 3. Distance From Large Bodies of Water 4. Ocean Currents Factors Affecting Temperature: 1. Latitude Latitude: The distance from the equator measured in degrees Temperature Zones Tropical Zones Temperate Zones Polar Zones Some important latitudes Hemisphere – Half of a sphere. Northern Hemisphere – The half of the earth that is north of the equator. Southern Hemisphere – The half of the earth that is south of the equator. Tropic of Cancer - Also referred to as the Northern Tropic. It is 23.5° north of the Equator. Tropic of Capricorn - Also referred to as the southern Tropic. It is 23.5° south of the Equator. Arctic Circle - It is 66.5° north of the Equator. Antarctic Circle - It is 66.5° south of the Equator. Tropical Zone The area near the equator, between about 23.5°north to about 23.5° south latitude. The tropical zone receives direct or nearly direct sunlight all year round, making climates very warm. Temperate Zone The areas between the tropical and the polar zones from about 23.5° to 66.5° north or south latitude. In summer, the sun’s rays strike the temperate zones more directly. In winter the sun’s rays strike at a lower angle. The weather ranges from warm or hot in summer to cool or cold in winter. Polar Zone The areas near both poles, from about 66.5° to 90° north or south latitude. Dark blue = Polar Zone The sun’s rays always strike al a lower angle near the North and South poles. The area near both poles have cold climates. Factors Affecting Temperature: 2. Altitude Altitude: Elevation above sea level High land areas or mountains have cooler climates Higher altitudes = cooler temperatures Lower altitudes = warmer temperatures This is a critical Thinking question No. 4 in your INB. Factors Affecting Temperature: 3. Distance from large bodies of water Marine Climates: Oceans or large lakes affect temperatures. Oceans moderate the temperatures of nearby land. The climate of such coastal regions will have relatively warm winters and cool summers. Continental Climates: Land away from oceans experience colder winters and warmer summers. Explain. (INB – Critical Thinking Question # 6) Why much of west coasts of North America, South America, and Europe have mild climates and most of Canada and Russia and Central United States extreme climate? Factors Affecting Temperature: 4. Ocean Currents Oceans and lakes can affect temperatures /climate Ocean Currents - warm and cold currents 3 examples: Gulf Stream, North Atlantic Drift, California Current Factors Affecting Precipitation 1. Prevailing Winds 2. Mountain Ranges Factors Affecting Precipitation: 1. Prevailing Winds Prevailing winds are winds that blow from one direction. The amount of water vapor in an air mass influences how much rain or snow will fall. The amount of water vapor in the wind depends on where the wind comes from. Winds that blow inland from oceans or large lakes carry more water vapor than winds blow from over land. Factors Affecting Precipitation: 2. Mountain Ranges Air forced up the mountain cools, condenses, and creates clouds Falls as precipitation on windward side (side of the mountain range that faces the oncoming wind). Leeward side (the side of the mountain range that faces away from the oncoming wind)of mountain has drier conditions Answer: (INB – Critical Thinking Question # 9) 1. Define Rain Shadowing. 2. Which is a rain shadow area? 1. Windward or 2. Leeward Microclimates Microclimates: small region with specific climate conditions Examples: parks, cities, areas near lakes or ponds, gardens, etc. Answer: 1.How do cities affect climate? 2. Why is it cooler and humid in a grove of trees than in an open field?