Download 1 Climate

Climate
Weather vs. Climate
Weather
state of the atmosphere at a particular
moment
Climate
long term weather conditions
Factors Determining Climate
1) Latitude
2) Atmospheric circulation patterns
3) Oceanic circulation patterns
4) Geography
5) Solar activity
6) Volcanic activity
7) Distance from equator
Latitude
Definition:
Distance degrees north or south of the
equator
Two Categories of Latitude:
1) Low latitude
2) High latitude
Low Latitude
Location:
Close to the equator
Sunlight:
Vertical
Temperature:
High
High Latitude
Location:
Close to the poles
Sunlight:
Oblique
Temperature:
Cold
Atmospheric Circulation
3 Properties of Air
1) Cold air sinks
2) Warm air rises
3) Warm air holds more water vapor than
cold air
How the Air Gets Warmed
sun heats ground → warm ground heats air
above it → this warm air rises → cool air
goes back towards the ground
Wind
Definition:
Movement of warm air and cool air within
the atmosphere
Oceanic Circulation Patterns
Why the ocean has currents:
Wind
Rotation of earth
Role of Water Currents:
Redistribute warm and cool water around
the planet
Topography
Height:
For every 1,000 meters in elevation the
temperature drops 11ºF
Ex: Explains why mountains near
the equator have snow on the top
of their peaks
Topography
Mountains:
Side of mountain closest to the water gets a lot of
rain
Side of mountain furthest away to the water gets little
to no rain (rain shadow)
Volcanic Eruption's Influence on
Climate
Sulfur dioxide gas is released into the air by an
erupting volcano → gas combines with water
vapor in stratosphere → a layer of haze forms
that blocks the sunlight from reaching earth →
temperature on earth decreases
Sun's Influence on Climate
Effects of Increased ultraviolet (UV)
radiation from the sun
1) produces more ozone
2) warms the surface of the earth
Northern Hemisphere's
Seasons
• NOT caused by the differences in the
distance from the Sun throughout the year
• Seasons are the result of the TILT of the
Earth's axis
Summer in Northern
Hemisphere
Summer:
Northern hemisphere tilts TOWARDS the
sun and receives direct sunlight
Fall in Northern Hemisphere
Fall:
The earth's axis is tilted sideways in respect
to the sun
Winter in Northern Hemisphere
Winter:
Northern hemisphere tilts AWAY from the
sun and receives indirect sunlight
Spring in Northern Hemisphere
Spring:
The earth's axis is tilted sideways in respect
to the sun
Seasons Video Clip