Factors that Affect Climate 21.1

What is Climate? Weather conditions of an area including any variations from the norm. Exchange of energy and moisture among Earth’s different spheres. Involves two important elements: – Temperature – precipitation

Factors Affecting Climate Latitude Elevation Topography Bodies of water Global winds vegetation

Latitude As latitude increases, the average intensity of solar energy decreases. LocationLatitudeSun’s IntensityTemperature Range Tropical Zone23.5⁰ South of the Equator and 23.5 ⁰ North Very Intense Direct Sun Rays Warm year round Temperate Zone23.5⁰ and 66.5⁰ North and South of the Equator Shines at an angel Spreads out Hot summers Cold winters Polar Zone66.5⁰ to 90⁰ North and South of the Equator Smaller angle Spreads out over larger areas Very cold temperatures year round

Latitude Factor

Differences in Energy Affects weather and climate from the poles to the equator Leads to the pressure differences that produce winds Affect evaporation rates and the formation of clouds, air masses, and storms Determines climate on a global scale

Angle of the Sun

Elevation The higher the elevation the colder the climate. Elevation determines the amount of precipitation it receives.

Elevation Factor

Topography Plays an important role in the amount of precipitation that falls over an area.

Water Bodies Affects temperature in the area

Atmospheric Circulation(Wind) Influences climate by distributing heat and moisture around the Earth.

Vegetation Affects temperature and the precipitation patterns in an area. Precipitation: – Transpiration-water vapors release into the atmosphere by plants – Pollen- helps in cloud formation (solid particles) Temperature: – Influences the amount of sun energy that is absorbed and released.

Vegetation Factor

What is a Global Climate? Earth has a climate, too – Year round average temperature of the entire surface – Average rainfall – Earth experiences periods of warming and periods of cooling – (Little Ice Age) mid 1300’s to mid 1800’s Average temperature colder than today