1. Unit 3: Physical Systems Lesson 3: The World’s Climates

2. Why Are Climates Different Why is it cold at the North Pole? Why is warm at the Equator? 1)Climate depends on how much direct sunlight a location receives. The equator receives direct sunlight all year The North Pole never receives direct sunlight 2) Wind, ocean currents and landforms also determine climate

3. The World’s Climate Zones Geographers have divided the earth into climate zones. Zones are then divided up even further based on precipitation (rain, snow) and temperature (warm, cold)

4. What is the Difference Between Weather and Climate? Weather It’s temporary…one any given day it may be dry or wet; it may be cold or warm. This can change day to day or even hour to hour. For example, in northern Illinois, one day in early spring could be warm and sunny, but the very next day it may become vey cold and even snow. Climate Overall temperature and precipitation are somewhat predictable. For example, in northern Illinois, there are four distinctive seasons: Winter- is usually cold and snowy Spring- is warmer and rainy Summer- is hot and humid Fall- is cool and can be either rainy or dry In contrast, the climate of America’s southwest is much warmer and drier. They do not have 4 distinctive seasons, although the day-to-day weather may vary.