Download Climate

Climate Factors
Climate
WEATHER, by definition,
is the CURRENT state or
condition of the
atmosphere at a GIVEN
TIME and place.
CLIMATE, on the other hand, describes the
AVERAGE weather conditions that could be
expected during a CERTAIN TIME of year at a
specific place. Climate is much less specific than a
weather forecast…
Climate is determined by two major factors
TEMPERATURE
PRECIPITATION
CLIMATE FACTORS
1. Latitude
- Low latitudes near tropics (Equator) are warmer.
- High latitudes near poles are colder.
2. Prevailing Winds
- Prevailing winds push air masses West to East
across the country.
- Winds blowing from the ocean bring moisture.
Example: Seattle, Washington is very rainy.
3. Mountains Ranges
- Mountains make air rise.
- Rising air creates precipitation.
4. Distance to large bodies of water
- Areas near water have smaller changes in
temperature.
Example: LA, California
does not get very warm in the summer or very cold in
the winter.
5. Ocean Currents
- Warm water current cause
warm temperatures
- Cold water current cause cold
temperatures
1. Latitude
Polar
From 60-90 degrees
longitude. Cold
climate.
Temperate
From 23-60 degrees
longitude. No
extremes. In
between
temperature
Tropics
From 0-23 degrees
longitude. Very
warm temperatures.
Polar
Temperate
Tropical
Tropical
Temperate
Polar
2. Prevailing Winds
If the winds move over water – moist air is brought to the region.
If the winds move over land – dry air is brought to the region.
3. The Rainshadow Effect
Windward Side
- Faces the wind
- Air rises
- Air cools and condenses
- Precipitation occurs
Leeward Side
- Downwind
- Air sinks
- Air warms and dries
- No precipitation
How does the
Rainshadow Effect
affect climate?
cool, moist
Windward Side: ___________
warm, dry
Leeward Side: _____________
4. Distance from Large Bodies of Water
(oceans, seas, large lakes)
• oceans hold their heat longer creating mild coastal
climates
5. Ocean Currents
• Warm-water currents warm coastal climates
• Cold-water currents cool coastal climates.
Global Ocean Currents