Climate

Climate is the year after year conditions of temperature, precipitation, winds and clouds in an area.

2 Major factors determine climate:

TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION

Factors that effect Temperature1. Latitude: Areas that are closer to the equator are warmer.

These areas receive the most intense rays

Earth is divided into 3 zonesTropical: equator to 23.5Temperate: 23.5 to 65.5Polar: 65.5 to 90

2. Ocean currents: areas can be effected by warm or cold ocean currentsOcean currents bring cold or warm air

with them

3. Altitude: Areas that are at higher altitudes are colder.Example: the Himalayas are at the same

latitude as Florida but are much colder.

4. Distance from large bodies of water.Areas that are close to large bodies of water have more mild temperatures.Examples: Oceans, Great Lakes

Temperature is effected by:

L.O.A.D.

Factors that effect Precipitation1. Prevailing winds: Winds move air masses that bring moist or dry air. Very humid air can produce more

precipitation

2. Mountain Ranges: Areas that are on the windward side of mountains receive more precipitation.

Precipitation is effected by:

•P.M.