A region’s “general” weather conditions as established over a long period of time is known as climate. Climate is… ADD HERE Lincoln, NE ~ 40˚NProvidence, RI ~ 40˚N “How is it possible that two locations at the same latitude can experience different climates?” CLIMATE

Climate Regions P = Annual Precipitation (moisture) PET = Potential Evapotranspiration (temperature) ARID P < PET HUMID P > PET SUB-HUMID SEMI-ARID P ≅ PET

Factors Affecting Climate Latitude Large Bodies of Water Planetary Winds and Pressure Belts Vegetatio n Cloud Cover Ocean Currents Elevatio n Mountains

Climate Change due to Latitude The Earth receives maximum intensity and fairly consistent duration of insolation between 23 ½ ˚N and 23 ½ ˚S during its revolution around the Sun. Annual temperatures tend to… ADD HERE Latitudes north of 23 ½ ˚N and latitudes south of 23 ½ ˚S never receive direct insolation and the duration of insolation fluctuates. Annual temperatures… ADD HERE

Climate Change due to Latitude The location of pressure belts will alter the moisture conditions at certain latitudes. Low High Low pressure belts (convergence) are known for… ADD HERE High pressure belts (divergence) are known for… ADD HERE

Climate Change due to Large Bodies of Water Land tends to heat up and cool down more quickly than water (due to specific heat). The temperature of a location near a large body of water will be moderated by its presence near the water (MARINE CLIMATE) The temperatures of locations far away from large bodies of water are not affected by the presence of water (CONTINENTAL CLIMATE). Providence, RI (MARINE CLIMATE) The Atlantic Ocean helps to moderate the temperature of the city. Lincoln, NE (CONTINENTAL CLIMATE) There is no large body of water nearby to moderate the temperature of the city.

Climate Change due to Prevailing Winds Prevailing winds are generated by the convergence/divergence of air near pressure belts and due to the Coriolis Effect. Southern California is much “more of a marine climate” (more moderate climate)due to the southwesterly winds blowing off the Pacific Ocean. Storm track moving westward pick up moisture over the Great Lakes. Cities in northwestern New York experience “lake effect” snows and rains due to this movement (more humid climate).

Climate Change due to Ocean Currents Surface ocean temperatures are… ADD HERE Warm ocean currents tend to move away from the equator. Warm ocean currents create warm, humid conditions for coastal locations. Cool ocean currents tend to move towards the equator. Cool ocean currents create cool, drier conditions for coastal locations. RT = Pg. 4 Some parts of Europe (Ireland, Iceland, England) may be more humid and a bit warmer during certain times of the year due to their presence near warm ocean currents. The location and pathway of ocean currents will change as… ADD HERE

Climate Change due to Elevation Elevation Air Temperature Elevation Chance of Precipitation Generally speaking….. As air rises it expands and cools. Higher elevations are less likely to be affected by greenhouse gases and the infrared radiation being absorbed by them. As air rises its temperature drops as does its capacity to hold water vapor. Dewpoint temperature is reached, clouds form and precipitation follows.

Climate Change due to Mountains “The Orographic Effect” WINDWARD LEEWARD As prevailing winds move up the mountain: 1. As prevailing winds move down the mountain: 1.

Climate Change due to Vegetation The vegetation of a region is determined by its climate. AridHumid When the vegetation of a region is removed, the climate will change. The destruction of this forest will cause the climate to change: 1.ADD HERE… 2.… 3.… 4.… UrbanizationDeforestation

Climate Change due to Cloud Cover Areas that are prone to cloudy skies often experience climatic change: 1.ADD HERE… 2.… 3.… “How come the equator is NOT the warmest spot on Earth’s surface? Where is the warmest place?” Ecuadorian Beach, South America ~ 0˚ latitude (equator) The equator is… ADD HERE The warmest place on Earth would by… ADD HERE