Climate Why do some areas on Earth have glaciers? Why do some areas on Earth have glaciers? Why are some areas hot or cold? Why are some areas hot or cold? Why are some areas dry or wet?Why are some areas dry or wet? What is climate? What is climate? Climate is the pattern of weather that occurs in a particular area over many years. (30+ years) explain – desert/rain Climate is the pattern of weather that occurs in a particular area over many years. (30+ years) explain – desert/rain Why do some areas on Earth have glaciers? Why do some areas on Earth have glaciers? Why are some areas hot or cold? Why are some areas hot or cold? Why are some areas dry or wet?Why are some areas dry or wet? What is climate? What is climate? Climate is the pattern of weather that occurs in a particular area over many years. (30+ years) explain – desert/rain Climate is the pattern of weather that occurs in a particular area over many years. (30+ years) explain – desert/rain

Climate Weather conditions that make-up a climate:Weather conditions that make-up a climate: TemperatureTemperature PrecipitationPrecipitation Air PressureAir Pressure HumidityHumidity Days of SunshineDays of Sunshine

Climate Factors that affect the climate:Factors that affect the climate: LatitudeLatitude TopographyTopography Lakes and OceansLakes and Oceans MoistureMoisture Wind PatternsWind Patterns Ocean CurrentsOcean Currents Locations of Air MassesLocations of Air Masses

Climate How does latitude affect climate?How does latitude affect climate? The tilt of the Earth influences the angle the Sun’s direct rays hit the Earth.The tilt of the Earth influences the angle the Sun’s direct rays hit the Earth. Latitudes close to equator, receives more energy from the Sun. (more energy = more light and heat)Latitudes close to equator, receives more energy from the Sun. (more energy = more light and heat)

Climate There are 3 major climate zones:There are 3 major climate zones: 1.Tropics 2.Temperate Zone 3.Polar Zone

Climate Zones Tropics:Tropics: The region between latitudes 23.5 o north and 23.5 o south This region receives the most solar energy. (light and heat)This region receives the most solar energy. (light and heat) Sun’s rays are directly overhead.Sun’s rays are directly overhead. Temperatures in the tropics are always hot!Temperatures in the tropics are always hot!

Climate Zones Polar Zone:Polar Zone: The region between the poles to 66.5 o north and south latitudeThe region between the poles to 66.5 o north and south latitude Solar energy hits the polar zone at a low angle. Spreading the same amount of energy over a larger area.Solar energy hits the polar zone at a low angle. Spreading the same amount of energy over a larger area. Polar ice reflects solar energy.Polar ice reflects solar energy.

Climate Zones Temperate Zone:Temperate Zone: The area between the tropics and the polar zone.The area between the tropics and the polar zone. Temperatures in this zone are moderateTemperatures in this zone are moderate The United States is in the temperate zone.The United States is in the temperate zone.

Climate * Within each zone, topographic features affect climate. (what is a topographic feature?)* Within each zone, topographic features affect climate. (what is a topographic feature?) Mountains, Large bodies of waterMountains, Large bodies of water Water heats up and cools down more slowly than land.Water heats up and cools down more slowly than land. Coastal regions are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summerCoastal regions are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer Ocean currents affect coastal climate. Warm currents flow toward the north, warming the regions they pass. (cold currents)Ocean currents affect coastal climate. Warm currents flow toward the north, warming the regions they pass. (cold currents)

Climate Mountains – The side of the mountain facing the wind is called the windward side.Mountains – The side of the mountain facing the wind is called the windward side. Air rises, cools, and drops its moisture as precipitation on the windward side.Air rises, cools, and drops its moisture as precipitation on the windward side. Leeward side – The air descends, heats up, and dries out the land, often forming deserts. (explain)Leeward side – The air descends, heats up, and dries out the land, often forming deserts. (explain) There is a man-made feature that affects climate.There is a man-made feature that affects climate. Large cities – solar energy is absorbed by streets, parking lots, and buildings. Radiates heat into the atmosphere.Large cities – solar energy is absorbed by streets, parking lots, and buildings. Radiates heat into the atmosphere.

Climate Climate can be divided into six major groups:Climate can be divided into six major groups: 1.Tropical 2.Mild (near oceans) 3.Dry 4.Continental 5.Polar 6.High elevation (mountains)

Climate In the temperate zone, weather generally changes with the seasons.In the temperate zone, weather generally changes with the seasons. Seasons are short-term periods of climate change.Seasons are short-term periods of climate change. Seasons change as the amount of solar energy an area receives changes.Seasons change as the amount of solar energy an area receives changes.