Factors that Influence Climate
seasons
sea and land breezes over a large region that change direction wit the seasons are called monsoons.
microclimate
small areas with climate conditions that differ from those around them.
What are the two factors that affect climate
temperature & precipitation
climate
the long term average weather conditions that occur in a particular region.
latitude
Earth's surface is divided into three temperature zones.
presence of mountains
a mountain range in the path of prevailing winds influence where precipitation falls
tropical zone
area near the equator that has warm climate since it receives direct sunlight all year.
rains shadows
area of low rainfall on the downward, or leeward side of the mountain
temperate zone
between the polar and tropical zones with weather that ranges from warm in summer to cold in winter
altitude
climate factor because air temperature decreases as altitude increases
polar zone
cold climates because sun strikes ground at lower temperatures
ocean currents
current cool or warm air above them, bringing warm or cooled air to the land it touches
distance from oceans and lakes
large bodies of water influence temperatures because water heats up and cools down more slowly than land
What are the three factors that affect temperature?
latitude, altitude, distance from oceans and lakes.
continental climates
occur in inland areas and are often characterized by cold winters are warm or hot summers
What are the three factors that affect precipitation?
prevailing winds, presence of mountains, and seasons
marine climates
relatively warm winters and cool summers
prevailing winds
winds carry warm, moist air or cool air over land