Climate
What is the difference between Climate and Weather? "Climate is what you expect; weather is what you get" Weather- the current condition of the atmosphere in a given time or place Climate- weather conditions in a geographic region over a long period of time.
Climate characteristics Temperature Precipitation Wind
Factors Affecting Climate Elevation Latitude Wind Proximity to Water
Factors Affecting Climate: Elevation
Latitude Zones Places along the same degree of latitude often have similar climates. Richmond is at 37 degrees N. Find five cities around the world that are close to 37 degrees N. Low latitudes Middle latitudes High latitudes
Equator Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn Antarctic Circle Arctic Circle Graphic created by EJoyce
Equator Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn Antarctic Circle Arctic Circle HIGH LOW HIGH MIDDLE /2 66 1/2 Graphic created by EJoyce
Equator Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn Antarctic Circle Arctic Circle HIGH MIDDLE 90 S 90 N 0 23 ½ N 23 ½ S 66 ½ N 66 ½ S LOW North Pole South Pole Graphic created by EJoyce
Climate Zones
Low latitudes
Climate Zone extending from: Tropic of Cancer (23.5 N) through the Equator (0) to the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 S) Hot This area of the world receives the most direct sunlight
Climate zones in low latitudes: Tropical Wet
What are the characteristics of a Tropical Wet climate?
Climate zones in low latitudes: Tropical Wet and Dry
Climate zones in low latitudes: Arid
Climate zones in low latitudes: Semiarid
Middle Latitudes From Tropics to Arctic and Antarctic Circles Distinct seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) Climate varies depending on time of year United States, Europe, much of Asia
Climate zones in middle latitudes: Mediterranean
Climate zones in middle latitudes: Marine West Coast
Climate zones in middle latitudes: Humid Subtropical
Climate zones in middle latitudes: Highland
Climate zones in middle latitudes: Arid Can an arid climate contain a desert that is cold?
High Latitudes From the circles to the poles Least amount of direct sunlight Cold!
Climate Zones in high latitudes: Subartic
Climate zones in high latitudes: Tundra
Climate zones in high latitudes: Icecap
Factors Affecting Climate: Wind
Winds are created by unequal heating of the atmosphere. Because climate regions have different temperature patterns, their prevailing winds differ. Prevailing winds- the wind that blows most often in an area, usually identified by the direction from which it comes
Factors Affecting Climate: Wind What are westerlies? What are trade winds? What are the doldrums? What are horse latitudes?
Factors Affecting Climate: Proximity to Water Places located near large bodies of water have a relatively mild climate. Water does not heat up or cool down as quickly as the air temperature. The warmer breezes blowing off the water help regulate the temperature.
Places located close to large bodies of warm water have a milder climate. Notice the warm ocean current off the coast of northwest Europe- the North Atlantic Drift. North Atlantic Drift
Compare the climate of London, England with a city in Canada at the same latitude belt. Which region has the mildest climate? Why?
Combining Climate Elements
High mountains located near large bodies of water block the moisture that blows in from the ocean and create a rain shadow on the leeward side of the mountain.
Windward side of the Mountain Leeward side of the Mountain Rain Shadow
Define the following: Windward Leeward Rain Shadow Windward- the side of the mountain that faces the ocean and receives precipitation Leeward- the arid side of the mountain Rain shadow- the leeward side of the mountain that receives little precipitation.
Mountains Rain shadow Rain is blocked by the mountains Winds blow in from west to east and are blocked by the coastal mountains. The moisture never makes it across the mountains
Helena, MT & Seattle, WA- Why the different climate? Helena & Seattle- Similar latitudes Helena average temperature/11. 8 avg. rainfall Seattle avg. temperature/33. 6 avg. rainfall