1. Chapter 4: Climate and Climate Change
Section 1: What Causes Climate

2. Weather: condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time (short term)
Climate: average conditions of temperature, precipitation, winds and clouds in an area (long term)

3. What Causes Climate? Temperature (cold or warm climate)
Precipitation (dry or humid climate)

4. Factors Affecting Temperature
Latitude
Altitude
Distance From Large Bodies of Water
Ocean Currents

5. Latitude Latitude: The distance from the equator measured in degrees
Temperature Zones
Tropical Zones: warm climates
Temperate Zones: ranging temperatures
Polar Zones: cold climates

7. Altitude Altitude: elevation above sea level
High land areas have cooler climates
Higher altitudes = cooler temperatures
Lower altitudes = warmer temperatures

8. Distance From Large Bodies of Water
Marine Climates: warmer winters and cooler summers
Continental Climates: colder winters and warmer summers

9. Ocean Currents Oceans and lakes can affect temperatures/climate
Ocean Currents- streams of water within the ocean that move in regular patterns
3 examples: Gulf Stream, North Atlantic Drift, California Current

11. Factors Affecting Precipitation
Prevailing Winds
Mountain Ranges

12. Prevailing Winds
movement of air masses caused by directional winds in a region
The amount of water vapor in an air mass influences how much rain or snow will fall
The amount of water vapor in the prevailing wind depends on where the wind comes from

13. Mountain Ranges
Air forced up the mountain cools, condenses, and creates clouds
Falls as precipitation on windward side
Leeward side of mountain has drier conditions

14. Microclimates
Microclimates: small region with specific climate conditions
Examples: parks, cities, areas near lakes or ponds, gardens, etc.