Chapter 4: Climate and Climate Change

Section 1: What Causes Climate

Weather: condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time (short term)

Climate: average conditions of temperature, precipitation, winds and clouds in an area (long term)

What Causes Climate?

Temperature (cold or warm climate) Precipitation (dry or humid climate)

Factors Affecting Temperature

Latitude Altitude Distance From Large Bodies of

Water Ocean Currents

Latitude Latitude: The distance from the

equator measured in degrees Temperature Zones

Tropical Zones: warm climates Temperate Zones: ranging

temperatures Polar Zones: cold climates

Altitude

Altitude: elevation above sea level High land areas have cooler

climates Higher altitudes = cooler

temperatures Lower altitudes = warmer

temperatures

Distance From Large Bodies of Water

Marine Climates: warmer winters and cooler summers

Continental Climates: colder winters and warmer summers

Ocean Currents Oceans and lakes can affect

temperatures/climate Ocean Currents- streams of water within

the ocean that move in regular patterns 3 examples: Gulf Stream, North Atlantic

Drift, California Current

Factors Affecting Precipitation

Prevailing Winds Mountain Ranges

Prevailing Winds movement of air masses caused by

directional winds in a region The amount of water vapor in an air

mass influences how much rain or snow will fall

The amount of water vapor in the prevailing wind depends on where the wind comes from

Mountain Ranges Air forced up the

mountain cools, condenses, and creates clouds

Falls as precipitation on windward side

Leeward side of mountain has drier conditions

Microclimates

Microclimates: small region with specific climate conditions Examples: parks, cities, areas near

lakes or ponds, gardens, etc.