Transcript What is Climate?

What is Climate?
An
area’s long term pattern of weather
What factors would be needed to describe
an area’s climate?
The 2 main factors that contribute to climate are
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Temperature
Precipitation
The average temperature is not
enough. Highs and Lows are
necessary to see the temperature
range.
The amount of rain and time of year
rain falls.
Many factors can affect temperature
and precipitation
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Climate Control
Description
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Latitude
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Elevation
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Nearby Water
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Ocean Currents
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Topography
Near Mountain Ranges (Windward and Leeward)
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Prevailing Winds
Global winds. (What kind of air are they bringing?)
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Vegetation
0º to 90º on globe
Amount above sea level
Near oceans or lakes
Cold or warm currents
How many plants grow in an area
Latitude
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Affects all areas
Temperature
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The farther from the equator the cooler the
temperature
Precipitation
Areas at HIGH PRESSURE (30º and 90º) are drier
 Areas at LOW PRESSURE (Oº and 60º) have more
precipitaton
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Elevation
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Effects mountains the most
Temperature
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The higher the elevation the cooler it is
Precipitation
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The higher the elevation the drier it is
Nearby Water
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Effects areas near large water masses (oceans or
large lakes)
Temperature
Water does not change temperature as much as land
 Less of a temperature range = milder climates
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Precipitation
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Rainfall is usually higher if the area is downwind
Ocean Currents
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Effects areas near the ocean
Temperature
Warm Currents warm areas
 Cold currents cool areas
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Precipitation
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Areas near warm ocean currents may be prone to
tropical storms
Topography
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Effects areas near mountains
Windward
Leeward
Temperature: Cooler
Temperature: Warmer
Precipitation: More
Precipitation: Less
Prevailing Winds
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Effects Mainly the Mid Latitudes
Temperature
It depends where the air is coming from
 If it is coming from a cold region the area will be
colder
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Precipitation
It depends where the air is coming from
 If it is coming from the ocean the area will have
more precipitation
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