Climate Factors Climate WEATHER by definition is the

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 NEXT

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 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