CLIMATE CLIMATE Weather shortterm condition of the atmosphere

CLIMATE

CLIMATE Weather: short-term condition of the atmosphere Climate: Average weather conditions over many years What defines the climate of an area: a. Avg. temp. b. Avg. precip. c. Annual distribution of temp and precip.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT CLIMATE

How does latitude affect climate? As latitude increases the average annual temperature decreases. (Due to the relationships between angle, intensity and duration of insolation to Temperature)

How does closeness to a large body of water affect climate? moderates Water _____ the temperature. Cooler _______ summers and _______ winters. Warmer Cities A & B are located at the same latitude. City B is closer to a large body of water. Its temperature line is flatter (moderated).

How does the Orographic/Mountain Effect affect climate? cool, moist Windward Side: ______ warm, dry Leeward Side: _______

A GOOD EXAMPLE OF NYS LIFT 1. 2. 3. 4. Lake Effect Snow: Cold air behind a polar air mass blows across a large lake (NW->SE or W->E) Relatively warm, moist air is picked up into the atmosphere Elevation forces air up, which brings the temp to the dewpoint Heavy snowfall results, typically in bands

The leeward sides of the Adirondacks & Catskills receive much less precipitation The windward sides of the Adirondacks & Catskills receive a great deal more precipitation

How does elevation affect climate? Temperature increases As elevation ______ the average decreases annual temperature _____. Elevation

Page 14 of the ESRTs We live in the troposphere. Temperature decreases with elevation.

How do ocean currents affect climate? Warm Currents: warmer climate Cold Currents: cooler climate

ESRT PAGE 4

PLANETARY WIND BELTS ESRT PAGE 14 The eastern coast of N. A. is rarely affected by the warm waters of the Gulf stream because the prevailing winds come off of the landaffects weather patterns Within the wind belts, there are regions of rising air currents (low-pressure) and sinking air currents (high-pressure)

MONSOONS Monsoons: Winds off the ocean that bring rainy weather to a region for a long period of time Typical in desert or arid regions What Is a Monsoon? - You. Tube

TYPICAL STORM TRACKS Storms typically follow certain tracks(go from SW to NE), influenced by the prevailing southwesterly winds over North America

VISUALIZATIONS Climate Zones How Nature Records Climate