What causes Climate ? Text Book page # 470 - 477

Weather: The condition of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place. Climate: The average, year after year, conditions of temperature, precipitation, winds and clouds in an area. Microclimates: Climate conditions within a small area that differ from those in the surrounding area. Examples: parks, cities, areas near lakes or ponds, gardens, etc.

Two main factors that causes Climate - Temperature (cold or warm climate) Precipitation (dry or humid climate)

Factors Affecting Temperature Latitude Altitude Distance From Large Bodies of Water Ocean Currents

Latitude Latitude: The distance in degrees north or south of the equator. Based on latitude Earth’s surface can be divided into 3 Temperature Zones Tropical Zones: warm climates Temperate Zones: ranging temperatures Polar Zones: cold climates

Temperature Zones of Earth Polar Zone Polar Zone

Temperature Zones of Earth

Altitude Altitude: elevation above sea level High land areas have cooler climates For example: Mt. Kilimanjaro, in East Africa is covered with snow all year round although it is near equator (3 degrees south latitude. Higher altitudes = cooler temperatures Lower altitudes = warmer temperatures

Distance From Large Bodies of Water Marine Climates: warmer winters and cooler summers Where? Much of the west coast of North America, South America, and Europe. Continental Climates: colder winters and warmer summers (extreme temperatures) Where? Most of Canada and Russia, Central United States.

Ocean Currents Ocean Currents- Streams of water within the oceans that move in regular patterns. Oceans and lakes can affect temperatures / climate 3 examples: Gulf Stream (warm water currents), North Atlantic Drift (brings milder and humid air to Ireland and Southern England) , California Current (cool water current)

Major Ocean Surface Currents

Factors Affecting Precipitation Prevailing Winds Presence of Mountain Ranges Seasonal Winds

Prevailing Winds movement of air masses caused by directional winds in a region The amount of water vapor in an air mass influences how much rain or snow will fall The amount of water vapor in the prevailing wind depends on where the wind comes from

Mountain Ranges Air forced up the mountain cools, condenses, and creates clouds Falls as precipitation on windward side (The side of the mountain that faces the wind). Leeward side (the side of the mountain range that faces away from the oncoming wind) of mountain has drier conditions.

Seasonal Winds Monsoons are type of seasonal winds. Similar to sea or land breezes, but occurs over wider area. Monsoons are type of seasonal winds. Monsoons: Sea or land breeze over a large region that changes direction with the seasons. Thailand and part of India get most of the rain from the summer monsoons. The winter monsoons winds brings very little rain to same regions.