1. UNIT 5 Ecosystems Natural Science 2. Secondary Education THE CLIMATE

2. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science 2. Secondary Education UNIT 5 The climate Factors that influence the climate The main factors that influence the climate and determine the climate zones on Earth are latitude and altitude. Latitude is the distance between any location and the Equator. At lower latitudes (meaning locations that are closer to the Equator) temperatures are higher. Altitude is measured in relation to sea level. Temperatures are higher at lower altitudes.

3. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science 2. Secondary Education UNIT 5 The climate The Earth’s climate zones Cold zone Temperate zone Warm zone Cold zone Temperate zone Equator Click on each zone to find out more There are five climate zones on Earth, defined by latitude.

4. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science 2. Secondary Education UNIT 5 The climate Cold zones Cold zone There are two cold zones on Earth, located around the poles. They are also found in the alpine areas of the planet. Temperatures in these areas are very low throughout the year, since less solar energy reaches them due to their high latitudes. Equator Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn Go back to the start menu

5. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science 2. Secondary Education UNIT 5 The climate Temperate zones There are also two temperate zones, which are located between the tropics and the polar circles, at the middle latitudes. Temperatures here are moderate: high in the summer and low in the winter. Temperate zone Equator Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn Go back to the start menu

6. UNIDAD 3 Natural Science 2. Secondary Education UNIT 5 The climate The warm zone The warm zone is located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Due to its low latitude, more solar energy reaches this area and temperatures are very high throughout the year. Warm zone Go back to the start menu Equator Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn