Defining Climate
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Transcript of Defining Climate
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Defining Climate
Ch. 14. 1
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Climatology• Climatology: the study of Earth’s
climate and factors that affect past, present, & future climate changes.• Climate: long-term weather patterns
of an area.–Includes annual (yearly) variations of
temp, precip, wind, & other weather variables.
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Climatology• Normals: data averaged monthly or
annually for 30 years & become the standard values for a location.–Data includes: high & low temp, amt.
of rainfall, wind speed & direction, humidity, & air pressure.–Not intended to describe usual
weather conditions.
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Causes of Climate• Climatic differences caused by…–Differences in latitude–Topography–Closeness of lakes & oceans–Availability of moisture–Global wind patterns–Ocean currents–Air masses
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Differences in Latitude• Different areas of Earth received different
amounts of solar radiation because of the tilt of Earth when facing the Sun.– Creates climate zones found in each hemisphere.
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Latitude & Climate Zones• Tropics– Found between 23.5 North and South and the equator.– Warm nearly year-round.
• Temperate Zones– Found between 23.5 and 66.5 degrees North and
South of the equator.– Temperatures are moderate (warm and cold).
• Polar Zones– Found between 66.5 North & South of equator to the
poles.– Temperatures tend to be very cold.
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Climate Zones
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Topographical Effects• Large bodies of water affect climate.–Water heats up and cools down slower
than land.–Many coastal regions are warmer in
winter & cooler in summer than inland areas at similar latitudes.
• Temp decreases in areas of HIGHER altitude.–Mtns are colder than sea level areas.
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Topographical Effects• Climates differ on either side of mtns.–Windward side: side of mtn where air
rises and condenses to form clouds and drops moisture = wet & cool.–Leeward side: opposite side of
windward side, air is drier & warmer as it descends = deserts are common here.
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Topographical Effects: Orographic Lifting
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Air Masses• Recall #1: Air masses have distinct
regions of origin, caused by differences in amount of solar radiation.• Recall #2: Properties also depend on if
they are formed over water or land.• Air masses will reflect the
characteristics of that areas climate.
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Air Masses