8ES - What is Climate?

True or False. The climate in two places in different parts of the world will always be the same if the locations are at the same latitude.

False. Many conditions can affect climate besides latitude.

As you go from the Equator to the poles, how does general climate change?

Generally, climate cools as you progress from the Equator to the poles, beginning with the hot tropical zone, then the temperate zone of moderate temperatures, and ending at the poles with frigid temperatures. Typically climates are drier farther from the Equator due to reduced evaporation at lower temperatures.

How do mountains affect climate?

Mountains force air up, producing orographic precipitation on one side of the mountain and creating dry zones on the other side. Average temperature drops with increasing elevation on mountains because of the lapse rate.

In what two ways can large bodies of water affect climate?

Warm water currents can warm nearby land, and cold water currents can cool nearby land. Bodies of water can also add humidity to air masses, producing precipitation.

How are climate and weather different, given that they rely on the same data?

Weather is the current state (temperature, air pressure, humidity, and winds) of the atmosphere. Climate is the long-term conditions in the atmosphere. While they are both based on the same data, climate is based on the average of the data over a long period of time.

How do the following affect the temperature of a given location? a. latitude b. calendar (season) c. elevation d. water

a. Temperature typically decreases with increased latitude. b. Temperatures are typically lower in the winter, warmer in the summer, and moderate during spring and autumn. c. Temperatures typically decrease with increased elevation. d. Water has a moderating effect on temperature. In the summer water will keep temperatures lower, while in the winter water will keep temperatures warmer.