Chapter 3 Lesson 2 Factors Affecting Climate Essential

Chapter 3 : Lesson 2 Factors Affecting Climate

Essential Question How do winds and ocean currents affect climate?

What five factors affect climate? n Wind n Ocean Currents n Latitude n Elevation n Topography

Wind Patterns Prevailing winds – Winds that blow in a fairly constant direction

Wind Patterns Doldrums – Windless area near the Equator

Global Wind Currents

Coriolis Effect The resulting deflection of prevailing winds caused by the earths rotation

Currents: cold or warm stream of seawater that flows in the oceans, generally in a circular pattern

Effects of Ocean Currents n Cold water currents flow south from the poles n Warm currents blow north from the Equator n Currents affect the coastal land they pass.

Gulf Stream

How does latitude affect climate? n Further from equator is colder!!!

How does elevation affect climate? n. Elevation distance above sea level n 12, 000 ft. and above arctic climates

The Effects of Elevation n Air get thinner as altitude increases n Temperature drops 3. 5 degrees farenheight for every 1000 feet gained in altitude n High mountains stay covered in snow year around (Even on the equator)

Rain Shadow Effect Result of a process by which dry areas develop on the leeward sides of mountain ranges

Windward side – Side of a mountain facing the wind Leeward side – Side of a mountain facing away from the rain, doesn’t get rain

El Niño A periodic reversal of the pattern of ocean currents and water temperatures in the mid-Pacific region

El Nino & La Nina El Nino n n n Warming of the water in the Pacific Ocean High Pressure Every 3 -7 Years Affect on U. S. ? n Heavy Rain or Drought La Nina n n n Cooling of the water in the Pacific Ocean Low Pressure Every 3 -7 Years

Thematic Map : World Climate Regions

Precipitation around the World

Review Question: Chapter 3 : Lesson 2 Read pages 64 -68 and answer Review Questions on page 68 Hand in Google Class Room.