Section 1: What is Climate? Climate is the pattern of

weather that occurs in an area over many years.

It determines the types of plants or animals that can survive, and influences how people live.

Climate continued…

Elements that are averaged to determine climate: Temperature, Precipitation, air pressure, humidity, and days of sunshine.

Climate…

Factors that Affect Climate1. Latitude: distance north or

south of the equator.a. Tropics: (between 23 degrees N.

and 23 degrees S.); Sun shines directly from overhead, keeping temperatures high

Factors that Affect Climate

b. Polar Zones: (66 degrees N. & 66 degrees S. to the poles) ; Sun shines at a low angle, keeping Temperatures low

c. Temperate Zones: (between the tropics and the poles); Moderate Temperatures

Climate Map

Climate Map

Factors that Affect Climate2. Ocean Currents & Large Bodies of

Water: a. Ocean Currents can bring cool or warm water and moisture to coastal areas

b. Large bodies of water affect the climate of coastal areas by absorbing or giving off heat

Factors that Affect Climate

Factors that Affect Climate 3. Elevation:

a. Mountains affect their own climate as well as the climates of nearby areas

b. At the same latitude, the climate on a mountain is colder than the climate at sea level

c. Mountains cause air to rise, cool, and condense, creating a wetter climate on the windward side of the mountain and a much drier climate on the leeward side (Chinook Winds)

Chinook Winds

Factors that Affect Climate 4. Cities: because of their large

areas of solar radiation—absorbing pavement, cities frequently have higher temperatures that surrounding areas

City Heat