Factors Affecting Climate http www theweathernetwork com Climate

Factors Affecting Climate http: //www. theweathernetwork. com/

Climate vs. Weather • Weather is the day to day conditions of the atmosphere. – Temperature – Precipitation

Weather vs. Climate • Climate is the daily weather conditions of a place (station) averaged over a long period; generally on a yearly basis

Why is there a big difference in climate across Canada?

6 Factors That Affect Climate: 1. Latitude 2. Ocean Currents 3. Wind & Air Masses 4. Elevation 5. Relief 6. Nearness to Water

6 Factors That Affect Climate: 1. Latitude 2. Ocean Currents 3. Wind & Air Masses 4. Elevation 5. Relief 6. Nearness to Water

1. Latitude http: //atropos. arizona. edu/aiz/teaching/a 250/lecture 1. html • The farther you are located from equator the less energy you receive • Less energy = lower temperature • Link http: //www. astronomy. ohio-state. edu/~pogge/Teach. Res/Artwork/Sky/Equator_earth. gif

http: //www. windows 2 universe. org/earth/climate/sun_radiation_at_earth. html

2. Ocean Currents • Water closer to the equator is warmer as it absorbs more energy from the sun • Water warms/cools the air above it http: //www. galapagosonline. com/nathistory/Oceanography/Currents. html

3. Winds and Air Masses • Air heated or cooled by land or water • Hot air rises, cold air falls • Air moves from high to low pressure = wind • Established winds are called Prevailing winds – Westerlies http: //rst. gsfc. nasa. gov/Sect 14_1 c. html

http: //weatherstreet. com/weatherquestions/jet_stream. jpg

4. Elevation • As air rises, it expands & cools – Lower air pressure • As air cools, it leads to condensation – Clouds turn to rain/snow • Rate of cooling: 1°C/100 m

5. Relief 1. Air rises up the windward 2. 3. 4. slope of a mountain, expands & cools When clouds become too heavy, precipitation occurs As cold air descends on the leeward slope, it contracts and becomes warmer. A rain shadow is created as most of the moisture was already released (Relief Precipitation)

6. Nearness to Water • The temperature of water • • changes slowly Temperature of air & land changes more quickly 2 distinct climates: – Continental Climate • Great temperature range • Less precipitation – Maritime Climate • Small temperature range • More precipitation

Maritime vs. Continental

Maritime vs. Continental

Review: Factors That Affect Climate 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Latitude Ocean Currents Wind & Air Masses Elevation Relief Nearness to Water

Review: Factors That Affect Climate 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Latitude Ocean Currents Wind & Air Masses Elevation Relief Nearness to Water