Climate Basics
What is the average weather pattern of a region called?
climate
What is the term for the distance north or south of the equator
latitude
Areas near large bodies of water have what type of climate?
maritime climate
What is the term for the height of an area in relation to sea level?
elevation
What natural phenomenon sends dust, ash, and gases into the atmosphere, affecting climate?
volcanoes
How does climate differ from weather?
climate is the average over a long period, while weather is the condition at a specific time
Areas closer to the equator receive more of this than areas farther away.
Sun’s energy
What type of climate is found in regions located within a large landmass?
continental climate
Why is the air colder at higher elevations?
because the air is under less pressure and has less energy
What do scientists believe caused tropical ferns to once grow in areas now very cold?
continental drift
Name the two main factors that determine climate.
temperature and precipitation
What type of climate do tropical zones near the equator have?
hot and wet
How do global winds affect climate?
by moving water in currents that warm or cool the air above it
How do mountains influence the climate of the land around them?
by blocking cold air and affecting precipitation
How does the Sun’s energy output affect Earth’s climate?
variations in sunlight can cause ice ages and warm periods
True or False: The climate in a region can include different weather conditions on single days.
true
What is the climate like at latitudes of about 30°N and 30°S
hot and dry
What is the effect of prevailing winds from the Pacific Ocean on the West Coast of the USA?
brings warm, moist air and high precipitation
What happens to air as it is pushed up the side of a mountain?
it cools, forms clouds, and drops precipitation
What is the sunspot cycle?
an 11-year cycle where the number of sunspots rises to a maximum and then drops to a minimum
Give an example of how weather can differ from climate.
even if the climate is hot in summer, a single summer day could be cool
Describe the climate at latitudes near the poles.
long, frigid winters and short, cool summers
What is the difference in air temperature over land and water in summer and winter?
land being warmer in summer and cooler in winter compared to water
What is a rain shadow?
the dry area on the leeward side of a mountain
How might sunspots affect Earth's weather?
by raising average temperatures and possibly causing droughts and very cold winters