Climate vs. Weather/Climate & Latitude

How are lines above the equator are measured?

Lines above the equator are measured in degrees North. They increase from the equator to the North Pole. The North Pole is 90°N.

How are lines below the equator are measured?

Lines below the equator are measured in degrees South. They increase from the equator to the South Pole. The South Pole is 90°S.

Describe a Polar/Arctic climate.

Polar climates are always cold - it is never really warm. These regions receive very little solar radiation. They also receive very little precipitation.

Where are Polar/Arctic climates located?

Polar or arctic climates exist at high latitudes, above the Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle.

Define equator:

The imaginary line that runs around the middle of Earth is called the equator. This line is 0°.

Define climate:

describes the long-term conditions of a location

Define weather:

describes the short-term (day-to-day) conditions of a region

Where is the Tropic of Cancer?

Latitude of 23.5°N

Where is the Tropic of Capricorn?

Latitude of 23.5°S

Where is the Arctic Circle?

Latitude of 66.5°N

Where is the Antarctic Circle?

Latitude of 66.5°S

What are some similarities between weather and climate?

Climate and weather both describe the conditions of a region. Climate and weather both describes the temperature, precipitation, wind and amount of sunlight of a region. All locations and regions are characterized by weather and climate.The climate and weather can change for a location.

Why does climate change?

Climate can change because conditions of the atmosphere change.

How does climate change?

Climate predictably changes season to seasons. Climate can also change over long periods of time.

Why does climate varies with latitude?

Climate varies with latitude because of how the sun shines on Earth. More direct sunlight provides more solar radiation. More solar radiation means warmer temperatures.

Describe a Tropical climate.

It is always hot in tropical climates because there is direct sunlight all year. For most tropical climates, there are only two seasons: a wet winter and a dry summer. There is a significant change in precipitation during these seasons.

Define latitude:

Latitude is a measure of distance north and south on Earth.

Describe a Temperate climate.

Temperate climates are between tropical and arctic climates. Temperate climates are fairly hot and/or cold. Temperate climates have four seasons. The temperature and precipitation changes during these seasons.

Where are Temperate climates located?

Temperate climates exist at mid latitudes, between 23.5°N and 66.5°N and 23.5°S and 66.5°S.

What is the main difference between climate and weather?

The main difference between climate and weather is time. Climate describes the long-term conditions of a location and weather describes the short-term (day-to-day) conditions of a region.

Why is it warmer near the Tropics?

The sun always shines directly between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. The sun rises high in the sky and shines directly/nearly directly overhead.

Why is it colder near the poles (Arctic/Antarctic)?

The sun always shines indirectly above the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. The sun never rises high in the sky and does not shine directly.

Where are Tropical climates located?

Tropical climates exist at low latitudes, between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.

What are the three major climate types that exist on Earth?

Tropical, Temperate, & Polar/Arctic

How is latitude measured?

We measure latitude in degrees. Latitude can range from 0° to 90°.

How does weather change?

Weather changes minute-to-minute or hour-to-hour. It can be warm and sunny one day and wet and cool the next.