Chapter 4: Climate and Climate Change Section 1: What Causes Climate

Weather: condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time (short term) Climate: average conditions of temperature, precipitation, winds and clouds in an area (long term)

What 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 from the equator measured in degrees Temperature Zones Tropical Zones: warm climates Temperate Zones: ranging temperatures Polar Zones: cold climates

Altitude Altitude: elevation above sea level High land areas have cooler climates Higher altitudes = cooler temperatures Lower altitudes = warmer temperatures

Distance From Large Bodies of Water Marine Climates: warmer winters and cooler summers Continental Climates: colder winters and warmer summers

Ocean Currents Oceans and lakes can affect temperatures/climate Ocean Currents- streams of water within the ocean that move in regular patterns 3 examples: Gulf Stream, North Atlantic Drift, California Current

Factors Affecting Precipitation Prevailing Winds Mountain Ranges

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 Leeward side of mountain has drier conditions

Microclimates Microclimates: small region with specific climate conditions Examples: parks, cities, areas near lakes or ponds, gardens, etc.