Factors that Affect Climate

As latitude Increases what happens to the average annual temperature?

The temperature decreases

If elevation increases what happens to the temperature?

The temperature decreases. The higher up you go, the colder it gets.

What impact does living near an ocean have on temperature?

The temperature is more mild or constant. It is not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter.

What is the climate like on the windward side of a mountain that is near an ocean?

cool or more mild with more precipitation

What impact do cold water currents have on the climate

Cold water currents that travel towards the equator will make the temperature cooler in that area.

When analyzing a climate graph how can you tell whether the town can be found in the northern or southern hemisphere?

If the town is in the northern hemisphere the warmest time of the year will be in June through September because that is when those places experience summer. The line on the climate graph will reach its highest temp during that time. The climate graph image is an example of this. If the town is in the southern hemisphere June through September will be the coolest time of the year since that is their winter. The line will dip to its lowest temp during this time.

What impact does living far from the ocean have on climate?

It causes a more extreme range from summer to winter temperatures.

What is leeward?

Lee means sheltered from wind or weather from a neighboring object. Leeward is then the side protected from the wind.

On which side of a mountain would you find a rainshadow? Windward or leeward?

Leeward side.

If the temperature on a climate graph remains constant around 80 degrees year-round, what do you know about that particular location?

Since the temperature is constant and is near 80 on average, that location must be near the equator.

What do the bars on a climate graph usually represent?

The bars on a climate graph usually represent the rainfall

What is windward?

The direction or side from where the wind is coming from.

what are prevailing winds?

The direction that winds typically travel.

If you live near an ocean on the windward side of a continent what impact does this have on precipitation?

This area will receive much more rain than other areas at the same latitude and not near the ocean.

This climate is hot and rains heavily for part of the year and yet hardly rains at all for the other half of the year.

Tropical Wet/Dry

What is a way to remember what Tropical climates are like?

Tropical climates are found in the tropics which are the areas at low latitudes near the equator. Since this is near the equator, tropical climates must be hot.

What impact do warm water currents have on climate?

Warm water currents cause it to rain in the direction they are heading and make an area warmer year-round than it would be without them.

How do you remember what polar climates are like?

When you hear polar think about the north and south poles. If it is near the poles, the climate must be cold. Also, think polar bear which would also suggest it is cold.

How much does the temperature change for every 1000 feet of elevation?

around 3.5 degrees

What is precipitation?

rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the earth.