What is Climate?

1
What is Climate?

• Section 16.1
• Pg. 452-455

2
Climate

• Is the characteristic weather of a region
• Includes temperature, precipitation, air
  pressure, humidity, and days of sunshine

3
Latitude affects climate

• Solar energy received at a location depends on
  the tilt of the Earth.
• Latitude closest to equator gets the most sun.

4
Latitude affects climate

• Polar zones
• Radiation hit poles at low angles. Ice reflects
  radiation, so its never warm there.

5
Latitude affects climate

• Tropics
• Close to equator
• Always hot, except at high elevation

6
Latitude affects climate

• Temperate Zones
• Ex. Continental United States
• Temperature is moderate

7
Topographic Features Affect Climate

• Large bodies of water affect costal areas by
  making it cooler in the summer and warm in winter
• Large cities are warmer because buildings and
  streets absorb radiation

8
Topographic Features Affect Climate

• Mountains
• Colder in the mountains than at sea level
• On one side of the mountain there is wind, air
  rises, cools, and drops its moisture as
  precipitation
• On the other side , the air descends, heats up,
  and dries out the land, often forming deserts.