Chapter 4: Climate and Climate Change
Section 1: What Causes Climate
Weather: condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time (short term)
Climate: average conditions of temperature, precipitation, winds and clouds in an area (long term)
What Causes Climate?
Temperature (cold or warm climate) Precipitation (dry or humid climate)
Factors Affecting Temperature
Latitude Altitude Distance From Large Bodies of
Water Ocean Currents
Latitude Latitude: The distance from the
equator measured in degrees Temperature Zones
Tropical Zones: warm climates Temperate Zones: ranging
temperatures Polar Zones: cold climates
Altitude
Altitude: elevation above sea level High land areas have cooler
climates Higher altitudes = cooler
temperatures Lower altitudes = warmer
temperatures
Distance From Large Bodies of Water
Marine Climates: warmer winters and cooler summers
Continental Climates: colder winters and warmer summers
Ocean Currents Oceans and lakes can affect
temperatures/climate Ocean Currents- streams of water within
the ocean that move in regular patterns 3 examples: Gulf Stream, North Atlantic
Drift, California Current
Factors Affecting Precipitation
Prevailing Winds Mountain Ranges
Prevailing Winds movement of air masses caused by
directional winds in a region The amount of water vapor in an air
mass influences how much rain or snow will fall
The amount of water vapor in the prevailing wind depends on where the wind comes from
Mountain Ranges Air forced up the
mountain cools, condenses, and creates clouds
Falls as precipitation on windward side
Leeward side of mountain has drier conditions
Microclimates
Microclimates: small region with specific climate conditions Examples: parks, cities, areas near
lakes or ponds, gardens, etc.
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