Climate Factors
This is the distance, north or south of the equator.
Latitude
Next week it is going to be very rainy, and we can't go outside. Is this an example of weather, or climate?
Weather
True or False: Proximity to oceans only impacts one climate factor.
FALSE
Which side of a mountain has lots of green vegetation?
Windward
Describe how altitude impacts the climate.
Higher altitude = Colder temperatures
This is how high, or low, a location is compared to sea level.
Altitude (or elevation)
What two general locations on Earth have fairly consistent temperatures all year round?
The equator and the poles
How does proximity to oceans, or other large bodies of water, impact precipitation?
More available water means more water vapor, which results in more precipitation
Which side of a mountain has desert conditions?
Leeward
At what altitude do we start considering the altitude to be a climate factor?
5,000 feet
This factor only applies to coastal areas, and can change an area's temperature.
Proximity to ocean currents
These are the two main factors of climate that are recorded and reported.
Temperature and Precipitation
How close to a large body of water does a location need to be in order for it to impact the climate?
50 miles
What is the name for a desert that forms on the dry side of a mountain range?
Rain shadow
What climate factor are global scientists currently worried about, in terms of our planet's future?
Temperature (global warming)
This factor will increase the amount of water vapor in the area. As a result, the area may have more precipitation.
Proximity to large bodies of water
What type of graph is used to report climate data for a specific location?
Climograph
For coastal locations with similar latitude, why might they experience different temperatures?
Warm or cold ocean currents
How close to a mountain does a location need to be in order for it to impact the climate?
50 miles
Explain why one side of a mountain gets more rain than the other.
Air masses run into the mountain, and move up into the atmosphere. It cools and condenses, and causes precipitation. There is little water vapor left in the air after it passes the mountain.
This factor, which helps predict precipitation, is dependent on which side of a major land feature a city is located.
Proximity to mountains
This is the main difference between climate and weather.
Weather is reported for specific time and place, climate is reported for a wider location and over a long period of time.
Why do coastal cities tend to have more stable temperatures?
Water moderates the air temperature (heats and cools more slowly than land).
How does proximity to a mountain range impact climate?
One side will get lots of rain, the other side will be dry, due to air moving up in the atmosphere when it reaches the mountain.
Describe how proximity to the ocean might affect the climate in Myrtle Beach.
More precipitation due to proximity to large body of water.
Warmer temperatures due to the warm ocean current.