Climates of Earth

IN Agree or disagree? Locations at the center of large continents usually have the same climate as locations along the coast. Latitude does not affect climate.

Factors that Determine Climate Climate: long term average weather conditions that occur in a particular region Things that affect climate: latitude, large bodies of water, altitude, temperature How would you describe each of these climates?

LATITUDE

Latitude Latitude increases from 0 degrees to 90 degrees as you move toward the North and South Pole. Locations near the equator receive more solar energy each year than the poles. (equator= 0degrees) Locations near equator are warmer. Polar areas are colder because they get less solar energy. Middle areas have hot summers and cold winters.

Altitude/ Rain Shadows Temperature decreases as altitude increases in the troposphere. Mountains influence climate because they are barriers to prevailing winds, which leads to rain shadows. Rain shadows are the reason for different amounts and types of vegetation on either side of a mountain. Different amounts of precipitation fall on either side, leading to more or less vegetation.

Altitude/ Rain Shadows How do mountains affect rainfall?

Water Why do you think the sand is always hotter than the water?

Water The high specific heat of water causes climates along coastlines in to remain more constant than climates in the middle of continent. Ocean currents affect climate. Ex: Gulf Stream is a warm current flowing from north along the coast of eastern U.S. The warm current causes temperature to be warmer along parts of the East Coast and Europe.

Water

Microclimates Climate Temperature Precipitation Polar Cold year round Little precipitation Continental Warm summer, cold winter Moderate precipitation Dry Hot summer, cool winter Very little precipitation Tropical Warm year round High precipitation Mild Warm summer, mild winter Humid, high precipitation

Microclimates Examples: Urban areas- higher temps than rural areas because concreate absorbs more solar energy. Forests- cooler and less windy than surrounding countryside Hilltops- windier than nearby lower land

Microclimate How might construction of a concrete road or building change an area’s climate?

How climates affect living organisms Organisms have adaptations for the climates where they live. What’s an adaptation? Climate influences humans. Average temperature and rainfall determine types of crops we plant in an area Determines how and what we build in an area Conserve water

OUT Complete the chart. What affects climate? Concrete buildings and roads Climate Large bodies of water