Factors Affecting Climate http://www.theweathernetwork.com/

Climate vs. Weather Weather is the day to day conditions of the atmosphere. Temperature Precipitation

Weather vs. Climate Climate is the daily weather conditions of a place (station) averaged over a long period; generally on a yearly basis

Why is there a big difference in climate across Canada?

6 Factors That Affect Climate: Latitude Ocean Currents Wind & Air Masses Elevation Relief Nearness to Water

6 Factors That Affect Climate: Latitude Ocean Currents Wind & Air Masses Elevation Relief Nearness to Water

1. Latitude http://atropos.as.arizona.edu/aiz/teaching/a250/lecture1.html The farther you are located from equator the less energy you receive Less energy = lower temperature Link http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/TeachRes/Artwork/Sky/Equator_earth.gif

http://www. windows2universe. org/earth/climate/sun_radiation_at_earth http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/climate/sun_radiation_at_earth.html

2. Ocean Currents Water closer to the equator is warmer as it absorbs more energy from the sun Water warms/cools the air above it http://www.galapagosonline.com/nathistory/Oceanography/Currents.html

3. Winds and Air Masses Air heated or cooled by land or water Hot air rises, cold air falls Air moves from high to low pressure = wind Established winds are called Prevailing winds Westerlies http://rst.gsfc.nasa.gov/Sect14/Sect14_1c.html

http://weatherstreet.com/weatherquestions/jet_stream.jpg

4. Elevation As air rises, it expands & cools Lower air pressure As air cools, it leads to condensation Clouds turn to rain/snow Rate of cooling: 1°C/100m

5. Relief Air rises up the windward slope of a mountain, expands & cools When clouds become too heavy, precipitation occurs As cold air descends on the leeward slope, it contracts and becomes warmer. A rain shadow is created as most of the moisture was already released (Relief Precipitation)

6. Nearness to Water The temperature of water changes slowly Temperature of air & land changes more quickly 2 distinct climates: Continental Climate Great temperature range Less precipitation Maritime Climate Small temperature range More precipitation

Maritime vs. Continental

Maritime vs. Continental

Review: Factors That Affect Climate Latitude Ocean Currents Wind & Air Masses Elevation Relief Nearness to Water

Review: Factors That Affect Climate Latitude Ocean Currents Wind & Air Masses Elevation Relief Nearness to Water