The amount of solar energy per unit of Earth’s surface area depends on latitude. Earth’s curved...

• The amount of solar energy per unit of Earth’s surface area depends on latitude.

• Earth’s curved surface causes latitudes closer to the equator to receive more direct sunlight than latitudes farther north or south.

What affects climate? LATITUDE 1/2

• Latitudes near the poles receive less solar energy and have lower average temperatures.

• Latitudes near the equator tend to have warmer climates than higher latitudes.

What affects climate? What affects climate? LATITUDE 2/2

• Mountains influence climate because they are barriers to prevailing winds.

• An area of low rainfall on the downwind slope of a mountain is called a rain shadow.

What affects climate? What affects climate? RAIN SHADOW

• Climate is influenced by altitude.

• Temperature decreases as altitude increases in the troposphere.

What affects climate? What affects climate? ALTITUDE

• Because land heats and cools more quickly than water, climates along coastlines to remain somewhat constant.

• Prevailing winds extend the moderate temperatures farther inland.

What affects climate? WATER 1/2

• Ocean currents modify climate.• The Gulf Stream is a warm, northward current

along the east coast of North America.• The Gulf Stream brings warmer temperatures to

portions of the United States and Europe.

What affects climate? WATER 1/2

• A microclimate is a localized climate that is different from the climate of the larger area surrounding it.

• Cities are often warmer than the surrounding area.

• A city’s roads and buildings absorb solar radiation

What affects climate? MICROCLIMATE