3. Climate and Weather

4. I. Climate 1.Climate is the main kind of weather that a region enjoys over an extended period of time 2.NC is in the Sun Belt -Warm-weather Southern states

6. II. Location 1.Important factor in climate 2.Closer to equator = warmer the climate – Short winters – Longer growing season

8. III. Atlantic Ocean 1.Makes the air more moist 2.Water holds heat and warms the air 3.Gives NC warm, humid summers and cool, damp winters

10. IV. Altitude 1.Air cools as it rises above the Earth’s surface 2.Appalachian Mountains – higher elevations = cooler air – acts as a barrier on the west

12. V. Precipitation 1.Water released from the atmosphere – Rain, sleet, hail, fog, snow, or dew. 2.Depends on regional temperatures – NC has little snow, most in mountain region

14. VI. Winds 1.Thunderstorms Most common windstorm in N.C. Caused by rapidly rising warm air and cold downdrafts of air 2. Hurricanes Need warm ocean water to develop. Winds reach between 74 and 150 mph. 3.Tornadoes Wind speeds can reach 500 mph. Can strike at anytime of year anywhere in N.C. These are the most violent.

18. VII. Natural Resources 1.Determine how people live and work in an area a)Coastal Plains – Rich soil called loam - attracted early settlers b)Piedmont – Clay, rockier, poor for farming c)Mountains – rocky -Home to a large variety of trees

19. VIII. Nature & Wildlife a)Warm climate = wide variety of species b)Trees -Most important economically c)Wildlife -Bears, deer, groundhog, possum, wildcats