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