Factors Affecting Climate

Factors Affecting Climate Essential Questions: What factors affect climate? Learning Target: IWBAT explain how latitude, elevation, wind, and ocean currents influence the climate Formative Assessment(s): Would you say that latitude, elevation, wind, or ocean currents have the biggest effect on climate? Explain.

Bellwork What affects climate? In other words, what influences weather over time? Name as many factors as you can that affect climate.

Bellwork What affects climate? In other words, what influences weather over time? Water cycle Mountains Water Anything else? Some possible answers: Latitude Elevation Wind Ocean currents

Classwork Read Factors Affecting Climate on pages 54-59. Complete the chart below as you read Location Affect on Climate Low Latitudes High Latitudes Mid Latitudes Elevation Wind Patterns Ocean Currents Water Cycle Mountain Ranges

Classwork Read Factors Affecting Climate on pages 54-59. Complete the chart below as you read Location Affect on Climate, What kind of climates do they have? Low Latitudes Direct sunlight causes warm to hot climates High Latitudes Continuous but indirect light causes cold climates Mid Latitudes Temperate climates with seasonal weather changes between fairly hot and fairly cold. Elevation As elevation increases, temperature decreases. Wind Patterns Global winds move hot and cold temperatures to other areas ( map on 56). Ocean Currents Ocean currents bring cold water towards the equator and warm water towards the poles. Land near the ocean has mild seasons. Water Cycle Precipitation causes cooling, areas with lots of rain tend to be cooler. Mountain Ranges The windward side of the mountain receives most weather, while the leeward side receives little rain and is hot and dry.

Formative assessment Would you say that latitude, elevation, wind, or ocean currents have the biggest effect on climate? Explain.