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.