Factors of ClimateWhat is climate?

What factors determine climate?

What is Climate?Weather - state of the atmosphere at any given time or place.(what’s it like right now)

Climate - the weather conditions of an area over a long period of time.(average weather over time)

#1 The SunSource of all light and warmth

The Earth’s axis, tilt, & rotation determine how much light we get and when.

The more direct sunlight = warmer temperatures

#2 Latitude LinesMark regions

where sun hits

Tropics from 23.5N to 23.5S

Arctic Circle = Polar Region

Mid-Latitudes = Temperate Region

Simple summary of climatic zones:

● �Polar - very cold and dry all year● �Temperate - cold winters and mild summers● �Arid - dry, hot all year● �Tropical - hot and wet all year● �Mediterranean - mild winters, dry hot

summers● �Mountains (tundra) very cold all year

Write these on the back of your organizer!

#3 Ocean/Wind Currents

Can bring warming or cooling effect on the climate. Tropics = WarmPolar = Cool

#4 ElevationThe higher you go, the cooler it gets.

Reason: The air is less dense and cannot hold heat as easily.

#5 Precipitation

The amount affects how arid or wet the climate is.

Land heats and cools faster than the sea. Therefore coastal areas have a lower temperature range than those areas inland. On the coast winters are mild and summers are cool. In inland areas temperatures are high in the summer and cold in the winter.

Distance from the sea (continentality)

AspectSlopes facing the sun are warmer than those that are not. Thus south facing slopes in the northern hemisphere are usually warm. However, slopes facing north in the southern hemisphere are warmest.