Climate Factors

Climate Average weather conditions of a region, or the weather patterns that occur over many years

Temperature Range The difference between the highest and lowest temperatures of a day or month

Climate Is determined by multiple factors –Temperature –Precipitation –Latitude –Heat absorption and release –Topography

Latitude Distance from the Equator Determines the amount of solar energy received Influenced by the wind belts

*Solar Energy* Depends on –The angle at which the rays of the sun strike the Earth –Number of hours of daylight the location receives

Wind Patterns Affect –Humidity –Precipitation –Temperature –Cloud cover

Wind Patterns Doldrums at the Equator –Low Pressure –Air rises and cools –Water vapor condenses –Heavy Rain

Wind Patterns Subtropical Highs 20°-30° –High Pressure –Air sinks and warms –Drying effect –Deserts

*Heat Absorption and Release* Land heats faster and to a high degree Because land is: –Solid –Unmoving

*Heat Absorption and Release* Water has a higher specific heat –Amount of energy required to raise the temperature 1° Water is moving –Cooler water is constantly replacing warmer water

*Heat Absorption and Release* Ocean Currents –Winds that blow toward the shore, then currents have a stronger effect on their air masses

*Heat Absorption and Release* Seasonal Winds –Warm land/ Cool water (summer) Wind blows towards land –Cool land/ Warm water (winter) Wind blows towards water

*Heat Absorption and Release* Seasonal Winds –Monsoons Winds carry moisture to land causing a wet season Winds blow towards the water causing a dry season

Topography Shape of the land Mountains influences temperature and precipitation

Topography Warm air encounters a mountain –The air rises ( to move over the mountain) –The air cools –Cool air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air –Creates rain

Topography At the top of the mountain –The air begins to warm –Air is dry

Topography Foehn –Warm, Dry air that blows down the Eastern side of the Alps Chinook –Warm, Dry wind that blows down the Eastern side of the Rocky Mountains