Factors that Affect Climate

North Atlantic Gyre

A circular ocean current between N.America and Europe.

South Atlantic Gyre

A circular ocean current between S. America and Africa

climate change

A significant change in the Earth's climate. The Earth is currently getting warmer because people are adding heat-trapping greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. "climate change" refers to the broader set of changes that go along with warmer temperatures, including changes in weather patterns, the oceans, ice and snow, and ecosystems around the world

global warming

An increase in temperature near the surface of the Earth.

Topography

surface features on the earth like mountains that impact the amount of precipitation that falls in an area.

Temperate Zones

Climate zone that has hot summers cold winters due to its latitude. Cold seasons temperatures are below 64F and warm seasons temperatures are above 50F

Polar Zones

Climate zone that is cold year round due to it's location at the poles. Temperatures always lower than 50F

Tropical Zones

Climate zone that is warm year round due to its location near the equator. Temperatures always above 64F

Weather

Describes the atmosphere conditions right now or short term.

Climate

Describes the condition of the atmosphere over a long period of time.

Latitude

Distance N or S of the equator As latitude increases, the intensity of solar energy decreases

Altitude or Elevation

Height above sea-level. Places with high elevation have cold temperatures.

Large Bodies of water

Places downwind of a large body of water have cooler summers and milder winters because water heats and cools more slowly than land.

Ocean Currents

These streams of water move energy around our world

Deep ocean current

Very cold, salty water that moves along the bottom of the ocean conveyor belt in the atlantic ocean.