Post on 29-Dec-2015
LAMECOWSFactors Affecting Climate
&Weather vs. Climate
Weather vs. Climate
Weather condition of the
atmosphere in one place during a short period of time.
Climate weather patterns
typical for an area over a long period of time.
Revolution Orbit around the sun
Rotation Earth rotates on its axis - 24 hours – from west to east.
Tilt Earth is tilted at 23 ½ ° differing the amount of
sunlight throughout the year.
Creating Seasons
Equinox March 21 and September 23, suns rays on the equator.
Spring and Fall Solstice
June 21, north hemisphere receives the most sun, Dec 22 Southern hemisphere receives most sun. Summer and Winter.
Creating Seasons
Creating Seasons
Eight Factors That Affect Climate
Latitude
Air Pressure
Mountain Barriers
Elevation
ContinentalLocation
Ocean Currents
Wind Currents
Storms
Latitude
Most important factor affecting climate Climate changes as you move North or South Equator = direct rays = hot Poles = indirect rays = cold
Climate Zones
Air Pressure L = low pressure
warm, moist air rises → forms clouds → storms.
H = high pressure cold dry air → sinks
→ stable and clear.
Mountain Barriers a.k.a. - Orographic
Effect a.k.a. – Rain
Shadow Windward side
Lots of rain Leeward side
A rain shadow, which means little to no rain
Can create a desert climate
Elevation Second most
important factor affecting climate
How far above sea level you are.
Every 1,000 feet temperature changes 3.5°F.
Continental Location
Water heats and cools more slowly than land. Coastline areas have stable temperature. Interiors of continent have extreme temperature changes.
Ocean Currents Warm-water
currents flow from the equator to the poles.
Cold water currents flow from the poles to the equator.
Coriolis effect – The currents circular patterns are opposite of one another due to the Earth’s rotation. Northern
Hemisphere flow clockwise
Southern Hemisphere flow counter clockwise.
Wind Currents
Air in high pressure rushes into areas of low pressure – this causes wind.
Helps to distribute earth’s heat.
Also affected by the Coriolis effect
Storms
Clashes between warm and cold air masses Hurricanes – tropical
storms moving heat from tropics.
Tornadoes – powerful funnel shaped spiraling air.