1. Factors that affect Climate LOWERN

2. 6 Major factors affecting climate: Latitude Latitude Ocean Currents Ocean Currents Winds and Air Masses Winds and Air Masses Elevation (Altitude) Elevation (Altitude) Relief Relief Near Water Near Water

3. Latitude The closer a location to the equator, the warmer the climate. The closer a location to the equator, the warmer the climate.

4. OCEAN CURRENTS The movement of water in the oceans may bring warm water to cooler areas or cool water to warm areas. The movement of water in the oceans may bring warm water to cooler areas or cool water to warm areas. Warm water gives off more moisture than cool water. Therefore, ocean currents may also affect the amount of precipitation received by the nearby land. Warm water gives off more moisture than cool water. Therefore, ocean currents may also affect the amount of precipitation received by the nearby land. The warm Gulf stream raises temperatures along the coast of N.S. The warm Gulf stream raises temperatures along the coast of N.S. The cold Labrador current keeps the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland cool. The cold Labrador current keeps the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland cool. Along the West Coast, the warm currents help to keep the air above them warm. Along the West Coast, the warm currents help to keep the air above them warm.

5. Winds and Air Masses An air mass is a large volume of air with the climate conditions of the area where it is formed. An air mass is a large volume of air with the climate conditions of the area where it is formed. An air mass originating over an ocean contains moister – as the air passes over land, the moisture is released in some form of precipitation. An air mass originating over an ocean contains moister – as the air passes over land, the moisture is released in some form of precipitation. Therefore, a coastal location is likely to receive more precipitation than an inland location. Therefore, a coastal location is likely to receive more precipitation than an inland location.

6. Winds Differences in air pressure are created when the earth is heated to different temperatures. Differences in air pressure are created when the earth is heated to different temperatures. Differences in air pressure produce winds. Differences in air pressure produce winds. 1. Heating of the ground by the sun warms the air above it and causes the air to rise. 2. The air cools and sinks, producing a high-pressure area 3. Air at ground level moves from high pressure to low pressure, creating winds.

7. Prevailing Winds A well established pattern of wind. A well established pattern of wind. Over Canada and the U.S. – prevailing winds are known as the “westerlies”. These winds blow from west to east. Over Canada and the U.S. – prevailing winds are known as the “westerlies”. These winds blow from west to east.

8. Relief and Elevation Difference in elevation of the earth’s surface. Difference in elevation of the earth’s surface. How do mountain ranges affect climate? They act as barriers to the movement of air masses. How do mountain ranges affect climate? They act as barriers to the movement of air masses. HIKING EXAMPLE: AIR EXPANDS AS YOU MOVE UP A MOUNTAIN. WHEN AIR EXPANDS YOU LOSE HEAT. HIKING EXAMPLE: AIR EXPANDS AS YOU MOVE UP A MOUNTAIN. WHEN AIR EXPANDS YOU LOSE HEAT.

9. Nearness to Water Bodies of water have a moderating effect on land temperatures. Bodies of water have a moderating effect on land temperatures. Oceans and large lakes heat up and cool down more slowly than landmasses. Oceans and large lakes heat up and cool down more slowly than landmasses. –In summer – winds blowing from over the water keep the surrounding country side cooler than it would be if the water were not present. –In winter – winds blowing from over the water keep the surrounding countryside warmer than it would be if the water body was not present.