1. What is Climate? An area’s long term pattern of weather
What factors would be needed to describe an area’s climate?

2. The 2 main factors that contribute to climate are
Temperature
Precipitation
The average temperature is not enough. Highs and Lows are necessary to see the temperature range.
The amount of rain and time of year rain falls.

3. Many factors can affect temperature and precipitation
Climate Control Description
Latitude
Elevation
Nearby Water
Ocean Currents
Topography
Prevailing Winds
Vegetation
0º to 90º on globe
Amount above sea level
Near oceans or lakes
Cold or warm currents
Near Mountain Ranges (Windward and Leeward)
Global winds. (What kind of air are they bringing?)
How many plants grow in an area

4. Latitude Affects all areas Temperature Precipitation
The farther from the equator the cooler the temperature
Precipitation
Areas at HIGH PRESSURE (30º and 90º) are drier
Areas at LOW PRESSURE (Oº and 60º) have more precipitaton

5. Elevation Effects mountains the most Temperature Precipitation
The higher the elevation the cooler it is
Precipitation
The higher the elevation the drier it is

6. Nearby Water
Effects areas near large water masses (oceans or large lakes)
Temperature
Water does not change temperature as much as land
Less of a temperature range = milder climates
Precipitation
Rainfall is usually higher if the area is downwind

7. Ocean Currents Effects areas near the ocean Temperature Precipitation
Warm Currents warm areas
Cold currents cool areas
Precipitation
Areas near warm ocean currents may be prone to tropical storms

8. Topography Effects areas near mountains Leeward Windward
Temperature: Cooler
Precipitation: More
Temperature: Warmer
Precipitation: Less

9. Prevailing Winds Effects Mainly the Mid Latitudes Temperature
It depends where the air is coming from
If it is coming from a cold region the area will be colder
Precipitation
If it is coming from the ocean the area will have more precipitation