1. 14.1 – Defining Climate

2. Climatology Study of Earth’s climate and the factors that affect past, present, and future climate changes Long-term weather patterns of an area http://www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/images/weather/worldclimatesmall.gif

3. Normals Data used to describe an area’s climate Included daily high and low temperatures Amount of rainfall Wind speed and direction Humidity Air pressure Averaged on a monthly or annual basis for at least 30 years Standard values for a location

4. Normals Apply only to the specific place where data is collected Changes in elevation and other factors, such as proximity to large bodies of water, can cause climates to vary

5. Latitude Amount of solar radiation received decreases from the equator to the poles

6. The amount of solar energy received depends on the angle at which the sun’s rays hit a location and the number of daylight hours the location receives Angle of sun’s rays is determined by latitude and tilt of the Earth’s axis http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/images/earth_sun_angles.gif

7. Tropic Zone Area between 23.5° S and 23.5 ° N of equator Immediately around the equator Receive most solar radiation Generally warm year-round Average monthly temperature above 64ºF (18ºC) Influenced by continental and maritime tropical air masses

8. Temperate Zone Area between 23.5° to 66.5° Temperatures are moderate Average monthly temperature is no warmer than 64°F (18°C) in coldest month and no cooler than 50°F (10°C) in warmest month Weather changes often because of air masses moving across region Frequently exposed to wave cyclones with strong winds and heavy rains

9. Polar Zone 66.5° latitude to the poles Tend to be cold Average monthly temperature is never higher than 50°F (10°C) Continental and maritime air masses start in these areas

10. Topographic effects Water heats up and cools down more slowly than land Large bodies of water affect climates of coastal areas http://www.intandem. com/NewPrideSite/P ride2/Logs/LogsGra phics/currents.gif

11. Temperature in the lower atmosphere generally decreases with altitude Mountain climates are usually cooler than those at sea level

12. Mountains Orographic lifting leads to rains on the windside Leeward side is usually dry and warm

13. Air masses Affect regional climates by transporting the temperature and humidity

14. In-Class Assignment/Homework Mountains and Climate WKT