Climate, Agricultural, and Industry Geog410 Applied Climatology.
14.1 – Defining Climate. Climatology Study of Earth’s climate and the factors that affect past,...
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Transcript of 14.1 – Defining Climate. Climatology Study of Earth’s climate and the factors that affect past,...
Chapter 14 - Climate14.1 – Defining Climate
ClimatologyStudy of Earth’s climate and the
factors that affect past, present, and future climate changes
Long-term weather patterns of an area
http://www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/images/weather/worldclimatesmall.gif
Normals Data used to describe an area’s
climateIncluded daily high and low temperaturesAmount of rainfallWind speed and directionHumidityAir pressure
Averaged on a monthly or annual basis for at least 30 years
Standard values for a location
NormalsApply only to the specific place where data is collected
Changes in elevation and other factors, such as proximity to large bodies of water, can cause climates to vary
LatitudeAmount of solar radiation received decreases from the equator to the poles
The amount of solar energy received depends on the angle at which the sun’s rays hit a location and the number of daylight hours the location receives
Angle of sun’s rays is determined by latitude and tilt of the Earth’s axis
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/images/earth_sun_angles.gif
Tropic ZoneArea between 23.5° S and 23.5 ° N
of equatorImmediately around the equator
Receive most solar radiationGenerally warm year-round
Average monthly temperature above 64ºF (18ºC)
Influenced by continental and maritime tropical air masses
Temperate ZoneArea between 23.5° to 66.5°Temperatures are moderate
Average monthly temperature is no warmer than 64°F (18°C) in coldest month and no cooler than 50°F (10°C) in warmest month
Weather changes often because of air masses moving across regionFrequently exposed to wave cyclones
with strong winds and heavy rains
Polar Zone66.5° latitude to the polesTend to be cold
Average monthly temperature is never higher than 50°F (10°C)
Continental and maritime air masses start in these areas
Topographic effectsWater heats up and cools down more
slowly than landLarge bodies of water affect climates
of coastal areas
http://www.intandem.com/NewPrideSite/Pride2/Logs/LogsGraphics/currents.gif
Temperature in the lower atmosphere generally decreases with altitude
Mountain climates are usually cooler than those at sea level
MountainsOrographic lifting leads to rains on the windsideLeeward side is usually dry and warm
Air massesAffect regional climates by transporting the temperature and humidity
In-Class Assignment/HomeworkMountains and Climate WKT