Factors that Affect Climate
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is the current conditions of a specific place at a specific time. Climate is the year-to-year conditions of a place.
The earth revolution and tilt will cause this phenomenon.
What is seasons?
Which climate has short cool summers and long cold winters?
The polar region
What natural factors influence climate change?
Slow drifting continents, Earth's position with the sun, volcanic activity, and the difference in intensity from the sun
How would you describe the climate where we live?
hot summers, moderate winters; more precipitation in the summer.
What are the factors that affect climate?
Temperature and precipitation
Why does the tropical zone have a consistently warm climate?
The sun is always directly hitting the tropical zone.
Which climate has warm summers and cold winters?
The temperate continental region.
What is the climate change that occurs when the ocean temperatures decrease making the land temperatures colder than normal, with increased precipitation?
La Niña
What is the precipitation level on the leeward side of a mountain range?
There is less precipitation due to the "blockage" from the mountain range.
What factor has the most impact on the temperature of a climate?
Latitude
How are marine climates moderated?
The closeness to the ocean - water moderates temperature since it is has a high specific heat, making it more difficult to heat or cool the water. Being close to the water makes it easier for the water to impact the temperature on land.
How would you describe the desert (dry) climate region?
Warm (temperature) and dry (precipitation)
What occurs during an El Niño?
The temperatures are warmer than normal and it causes severe weather.
How do scientists determine previous climate conditions?
Pollen - forms fossils and tree rings - ring thickness tells how warm and wet the climate was each year
What happens to temperature as elevation increases?
Temperature decreases with altitude.
What is the impact that oceans have on precipitation?
The wind coming off the oceans will carry more water vapor, increasing precipitation in that climate.
Which climate has lots of rain, warm summers, and cool winters?
Marine west coast climate
What is the greenhouse effect?
An increase in greenhouse gases being trapped by the ozone, increasing the overal temperature of the earth.
What is an ice age?
A period of time where glaciers cover most of the earth's surface (we are currently in a warming period).
What is the wetter side of the mountain?
The windward side
What helps keep the California climate mild in the winter?
Distance from body of water and California Current.
What climate is most impacted by altitude?
Highlands
What is the effect of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?
CFCs break down into chlorine in the stratosphere which breaks down the ozone.
What are some positive and negative effects of global warming?
Positive: Certain areas will be able to grow more crops. Negative: Dry soil and dust bowls, warm ocean water - increasing strength of hurricanes and causing the sea level to rise.