Factors that affect the climate, World climates, and Climate Changes Atmosphere & Climate Factors that affect the climate, World climates, and Climate Changes

Climate is the weather conditions prevailing in an area over a long period of time. What is Climate?

FActors that affect climate Latitude Elevation Topography Water Bodies Atmospheric Circulation Vegetation

Distance North or South of the equator. As Latitude Increases, the intensity of solar energy decreases. Latitude Distance North or South of the equator.

There are 3 Climate Zones: Temperate, Tropics, and Polar. Latitude

Climate Zones North & south polar zones N. & S. Temerate zones N. & S. Tropical zones

Elevation Height above sea level. Air temperature decreases with elevation as well as the amount of precipitationn Elevation Height above sea level.

The physical features of an area. Topographic features such as mountains play an important role in the amount of precipitation that falls over an area. Topography The physical features of an area.

Rain shadows are an effect of topography

The temperature of the water body influences the temperature of the air mass above it. Places downwind of a body of water have cooler summers and milder winters compare with inland areas Water Bodies

Atmospheric Circulation Global winds influences climate because they distribute heat and moisture around Earth. Atmospheric Circulation The movement of air in the atmosphere.

The types of plants that grow in a region. Vegetation can affect both temperature and the precipitation patterns in an area. Vegetation influences how much of the suns energy is released and abosorbed. Transpiration releases water vapor and influences precipitation. Vegetation The types of plants that grow in a region.

World Climates

Köppen Climate Classification System This uses mean monthly and annual values of temperature and precipitation to classify climates. Köppen Climate Classification System Classification system to group climates.

Classification System There are 5 principle groups: Humid tripical climates, dry climates, humid mid-latitude climates, polar climates, highland climates. Classification System

Climate Changes

Natural Processes That Change Climate Volcanic Eruptions Ocean Circulation Solar Activity Earth Motions

They emit large volumes of ash and dust into the earth's atmosphere The presence of volcanic ash, dust, and sulfur-based aerosols in the air increases the amount of solar radiation that is reflected back into space. This causes Earth’s lower atmosphere to cool. Volcanic Eruptions They emit large volumes of ash and dust into the earth's atmosphere

These changes in ocean circulation can result in short-term climate fluctuations.

Changes in output of solar energy. When sunspots occur (Dark blemishes on the sun) they seem to correspond with warm periods in Europe and North America. Solar Activity Changes in output of solar energy.

1.Geographic changes (tectonic plates) in Earth’s land and water bodies cause changes in climate. 2. Changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit and the tilt of Earth on its axis are other Earth motions that affect global climates. Earth Motions

Tectonic plate movements, orbit, and tilt. Changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit and the tilt of Earth on its axis are other Earth motions that affect global climates. Earth Motions Tectonic plate movements, orbit, and tilt.

Human Impact on Climate Changes Greenhouse Effect Global Warming

The greenhouse effect is a natural warming of both Earth’s lower atmosphere and Earth’s surface.

As a result of increase in carbon dioxide levels, as well as other greenhouse gases, global temperatures have increased. This is called global warming. Global Warming Warmer surface temperatures increase evaporation rates, which absorbs radiation.