Factors affecting global temperatures

As can be seen from the graph to the left, temperatures decrease with increasing latitude. Why? Latitude

Angle with which the sun’s rays hit the Earth

World Mean sea-level temperatures in January in Degrees Celcius World Mean sea-level temperatures in July in Degrees Celcius Effect of the seasonal movement of the direct ray on temperatures.

Distance from the Sea

This map shows the effects of distance from the ocean on the differences between summer and winter temperatures. Note Asia!

Prevailing winds

Ocean currents

One example is the Gulf Stream (shown in red on the map

Altitude In general, temperatures drop 1°C for every 100 metres climbed in dry air (0.6°C for every 100 metres climbed in moist air).

The right hand slope is facing the sun, keeping it free of snow for longer. This slope is in the United Kingdom, and therefore is facing south. Aspect TASK: NWW page 211 – Answer Q1d page 227

True or false…‘Generally speaking… to feel warmer, you should….’ 1 Go uphill 2 In winter, head to the coast 3 Go towards the equator 4 In winter, go to a place where the prevailing wind is coming from over a sea/ocean 5 Go somewhere where the ocean current is moving towards the equator 6 In winter, especially at night time, go where there is some cloud cover 7 Be in the south stand when at a sports stadium

Video questions – e.g. tape 55 form 2:13:12 to 2:23:00 (or tape 89?) 1) At what latitude does a beam of sunlight cover twice as much land as one on the equator… 40, 60 or 80 degrees latitude? 2) When it’s sunny there is always shadows in Europe – true or false ? 3) Which aspect receives more sunlight – north or south facing? 4) The temperature drops by 1 in every 100 / 150 / 200 metres as you increase in altitude. 5) During the day which heats up faster – land or sea? 6) Which cools down faster at night – land or sea? 7) Which changes temperature less through the year – sea or land?

8) The North Atlantic Drift starts in which sea ? 9) It keeps which areas of Europe warmer in winter ? 10) What’s the name of the cold current going down the east coast of N. America in winter – Labrador, Wolfhound or Sausage? 11) Which is colder in winter – E of N. America or W. of Europe ? 12) As you go inland in Europe, going east, do winter temps get colder or warmer ? 13) What effect do clouds have at night time… hot water bottle, blanket or cough mixture effect ?