Factors that drive atmospheric processes Climate Controls Factors that drive atmospheric processes

Latitude Latitude is a fundamental control on every climate. It affects temperature by influencing the seasonal range in solar intensity. It influences precipitation in as much as evaporation is temperature dependent.

Land vs. Water Because land heats and cools faster and more intensely than water… continental locations have a larger seasonal temperature range than maritime locations. Maritime locations often have more precipitation because of their proximity to a large moisture source.

Ocean Currents Sea-surface temperature influences air temperature as the ocean exchanges heat with the overlying atmosphere. It also influences evaporation rates which are generally higher where sea-surface temperature is higher.

Mountains and Climate Temperature generally decreases with altitude. Mountains also affect seasonal precipitation patterns. Windward side receives more precipitation than the leeward side (rain shadow).

Pressure and Winds The Earth's average pressure patterns and resulting winds influence climate patterns by: affecting temperature and moisture causing areas of surface convergence and divergence Converging – in the North (or South) cause moderating effects Temperatures can vary from day to day At the equator, have a moderating effect, cooling an otherwise hot location