exploring climate influences - mrs...

Exploring Climate Influences

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DRAFT – Exploring Climate Influences – April 2011

Purpose

Students are able to identify the influence of latitude, elevation, proximity to water and physical features on their local climate by analyzing 30 years of monthly temperature and precipitation data.

Overview

Students examine the characteristics of the earth’s tropical, temperate and polar zones by analyzing 30 years of monthly temperature and precipitation patterns in pre-selected cities around the world. In their investigation, students observe temperature and precipitation patterns associated with changes in latitude, elevation, proximity to water and physical features. Students summarize their investigations by describing how latitude, elevation, physical features and proximity to water affect their local climate.

Student Outcomes

Students will be able to: Interpret a graph of 30 year temperature and precipitation data; Identify physical factors that influence temperature and precipitation patterns; Compare temperature and precipitation patterns on a regional basis; Define the climate of a given region.

Science Concepts

Physical Sciences Heat energy is transferred by conduction, convection and radiation. Heat moves from warmer to colder objects. Sun is a major source of energy for changes on the Earth’s surface.

Earth and Space Sciences Weather changes from day to day and over the seasons.

Seasons result from variations in solar Insolation resulting from the tilt of the Earth’s rotation axis.

Solar isolation drives atmospheric and ocean circulation.

Scientific Inquiry Abilities

Comparing graphs and analyzing data to determine the effects of latitude, elevation, physical features and proximity to water.

Drawing conclusions about which factors can influence climate Generating questions and developing hypotheses Designing and conducting an investigation Develop explanations and predictions using evidence. Recognize and analyze alternative explanations. Communicating conclusions to others

Time: 1 class period (@ 50 minutes)

Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Materials and Tools

Exploring the Influence of Climate map of the world handout Exploring the Influence of Climate world city data handouts

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The Essential Principles of Climate Literacy Connections

1 : The Sun is the primary source of energy for Earth 's climate system. While sunlight energizes the Earth's climate system, seasonal cycles, orbital cycles and other variables effect the energy balance on the Earth' surface. Learn more about teaching about the Sun's energy http://cleanet.org/clean/literacy/principle_1.html

2 : Climate is regulated by complex interactions among components of the Earth system. The natural Greenhouse Effect, regional geography, the oceans, the atmosphere and biota all exert controls over parts of the climate system. Feedbacks between different parts of the earth system can either amplify or mitigate changes in the climate. Learn more about teaching the components of climate system http://cleanet.org/clean/literacy/principle_2.html

4 : Climate varies over space and time through both natural and man-made processes. While weather is variable on short time scales, the Earth's overall climate also varies over longer time intervals. Natural processes that influence changes in climate do not account for recent increases of greenhouse gases, temperatures and sea level rise. Learn more about teaching climate variability http://cleanet.org/clean/literacy/principle_4.html

5: Our understanding of the climate system is improved through observations, theoretical studies, and modeling. Changes in the climate system are recorded by observations, direct measurements, and the geologic record. Computer models can be used to reconstruct past climates, project future climate scenarios, and guide decisions. Learn more about teaching with this principle http://cleanet.org/clean/literacy/principle_5.html

Preparation

Copies of the Exploring the Influences of Climate handouts Assemble necessary data and information for students to explore their community

(atlas, latitude, climate zone, elevation, approximate proximity to water)

Prerequisites

Students should understand that Insolation levels vary with latitude, and that latitude has a powerful influence in determining seasonal conditions and the annual patterns of environmental and climatic parameters such as precipitation and temperature. For a more complete discussion, refer to The Seasonal Picture: Why Are There Seasons? in the Introduction to Earth As a System Investigation. http://classic.globe.gov/tctg/earth_chapintro.pdf?sectionId=244&lang=EN

Crosswalks to Other GLOBE Learning Activities

See Earth as a System Investigation: Using Graphs to Show Connections http://classic.globe.gov/tctg/earth_la_connections_lc3.pdf?sectionId=272&lang=EN for another graphing exercise in which students construct graphs of air, soil, and water temperatures. Student graphs are then interpreted and interconnections explored.

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Exploring Climate Influences Activity using the Google Earth Plug-In

To provide a unique interactive experience with this activity use the Google Earth Plug-In located on the pilot page at http://globe.gov/scrc/pilots/influences

Getting Started: Each Investigation has been grouped so users can isolate cities unique to each Investigation. Investigations can be found below the plug-in and displayed by checking the box on the left. (Image 1)

(Image 1) (Image 2)

Displaying Data: To display City Data, select the city by clicking on it on the map display. To download the city data, select the format, Excel or CSV, below the graph. (Image 2) To enlarge the graph in a new web page, simply Click on the graph. To return to the map display close the new page. (Image 3)

(Image 3) (Image 4)

Displaying Global Climate Zones: An additional teaching tool that displays significant lines of latitude, 0°, 30°N, 30°S, 60°N, 60°S and Tropical, Temperate and Polar Climate Zones can be displayed by selecting Global Climate Zones. (Image 4)

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What To Do And How To Do It

Setting the Stage: 15 minutes

1. Set the stage for the lesson by asking students to name the locations that they believe to be the hottest and coldest on earth. Briefly compare their choices and the reasoning behind them.

2. Distribute the Exploring the Influence of Climate map of the world handout. Working in pairs or small groups, students should identify what they believe to be the three hottest and coldest cities in July.

3. After several minutes, each group should share their list with the rest of the class. Record a tally of the cities mentioned as each group reports. Based on the tally, circle the three cities that were listed most often.

4. Explain to students that they will be given the opportunity to explore some of the influences on climate using temperature and precipitation data from a set of pre-selected cities around the world. As they complete the investigations, they will have an opportunity to check their answers on the student handout map and reconsider them in view of what they have learned.

Investigating Physical Influences on Climate: 10 minutes for each of 4 investigations

5. Distribute the Influences of Climate Activity and the accompanying world city data and have students begin with Investigation 1 and continue through Investigation 4 recording their answers on the answer sheet.

Wrap-up: 10 minutes

6. When students have finished each investigation, lead a class discussion that summarizes the conclusions they have reached. Be sure to address the influence of each of the following, latitude, elevation, proximity to water and physical features. After students have had an opportunity to share their conclusions, discuss the similarities and differences among the ideas presented. Allow students to questions each other and clarify confusing or contradictory statements.

7. Ask the class, how many students, after completing each Investigation changed their list of 3 hottest and 3 coldest city answers on their world map?

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NAME __________________________________________ Date _______________________

Exploring the Influence of Climate Outline map of the world

Three hottest cities in July: Three coldest cities in July: Student handout

_____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________

_____________________ _____________________

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Investigation 1: Investigate the influence of latitude on climate

The influence of latitude on climate is part of the earth-sun relationship. During the earth’s annual revolution around the sun, the sun’s direct rays fall upon the planet in a regular pattern. The pattern can be correlated with zones of latitude to describe climate zones. Within each latitude zone, the climate follows general patterns.

1) Make a prediction about how monthly temperature and precipitation change as latitude increases.

2) Complete the table below using Exploring the Influence of Climate world city data handouts

City Latitude Global Climate

Zone Elevation

Proximity to Water

Coldest Month Lowest

Temperature (°C)

Hottest Month Highest

Temperature (°C)

Temperature Range over 12 months

Tokyo, Japan

Sydney, Australia

Cape Town, South Africa

Anchorage, United States

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

3) After viewing your world map as well as the results from the tables above, write a statement about how the monthly temperature and precipitation change as latitude increases.

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Test your statement

4) Complete the tables below using the Exploring the Influence of Climate world city data handouts


Zone Elevation

Proximity to Water


Temperature (°C)


Temperature (°C)


Reykjavik, Iceland

Cairo, Egypt

Ottawa, Canada

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Santiago, Chile

5) Do the results from the tables above confirm or dispute your statement made in #3 above? Explain.

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Investigation 2: Investigate the influence of elevation on climate

Due to the relationship between the elevation of a place and its temperature, changes in elevation can affect the environment as much as changes in latitude. In this investigation you will investigate the relationship between elevation and climate.

1) Make a prediction about how monthly temperature and precipitation change as elevation increases.

2) Complete the table below using the Exploring the Influence of Climate world city data handouts.

City Latitude Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Miami, USA Panama City, Panama Manila, Philippines Bangkok, Thailand Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Bangalore, India Mexico City, Mexico Quito, Ecuador

3) After viewing the world map, and the results from the chart above, what do these cities

have in common in terms of their location on earth?

4) After viewing each cities data, describe what these cities have in common as to their temperature and precipitation patterns?

5) Which cities are different from the others? How are they different?

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6) Since all of these cities are located in the tropical climate zone, what other factor could explain the difference in their temperature and precipitation patterns?

7) Complete the table below using the Exploring the Influence of Climate world city data

handouts.

City Elevation Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Miami, USA Panama City, Panama Manila, Philippines Bangkok, Thailand Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Bangalore, India Mexico City, Mexico Quito, Ecuador

8) Based on your observations of climate in the tropical climate zone and the information in

the table above, create a statement about the influences of elevation on temperature.

9) How did your predictions form Question 1 above, compare to your observations and the data in the tables above showed?

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Investigation 3: Investigate the influence of proximity to water on climate

Climate varies dramatically depending on the amount of precipitation as well as the proximity to water in an environment. Ocean currents affect climate in the coastal lands along which they flow. Cold ocean currents cool the lands they pass while warm ocean currents bring warmer temperatures. Therefore, the size of a continent affects both the temperature range and the amount of moisture in the interior. The larger the continent, the further away the ocean and the larger the difference between summer and winter. In this investigation you will investigate the relationship between proximity to water and climate.

1) Make a prediction about how monthly temperature and precipitation change as you move further away from a large body of water.


City Latitude Elevation Proximity to Water London, England Amsterdam, Netherlands Berlin, Germany Warsaw, Poland Kiev, Ukraine

3) After viewing your world map as well as the results from the chart above, what do these cities have in common regarding their location on earth and elevation?

4) After viewing each cities temperature data, complete the table below.

City Coldest mean monthly temperature

Approximate mean yearly temperature

London, England Amsterdam, Netherlands Berlin, Germany Warsaw, Poland Kiev, Ukraine

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5) After viewing each cities temperature and precipitation data, which cities have the mildest winter temperatures? (winter in the northern hemisphere is considered to be from December through February)

6) What happens to the winter temperatures as you move from London to Kiev?

7) Based on observations of climate of several cities with similar latitude, create a statement about the influence of proximity to water, or distance from it, on patterns of temperature.

8) How did your predictions from Question 1 above, reflect what your observations and the data in the table showed?

Revisit your initial observations

1) After conducting Investigations 1 through 3, revisit your initial answers on the world map of the 3 hottest and coldest cities in July. Make any changes to your answers if needed.

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Investigation 4: Investigate the influence of physical features on your community

The surface features of the earth, such as bodies of water and mountains can influence the climate of a location. The climates of two locations at the same latitude can be very different, depending on the presence or absence of certain landforms. For example, large bodies of water are slower to heat and cool than land. As a result, water temperatures are more uniform and constant than land temperatures due to the high specific heat of water.

Mountain ranges also influence precipitation and affect climate. Air is cooled when winds blow over a body of water and are pushed upward over a mountain range, resulting in the release of moisture in the form of precipitation. This precipitation falls in the form of rain and snow on the more on the windward side of the mountain, the side of the mountain facing the wind. After the precipitation is released, winds become warmer and drier as they descend on the opposite or leeward side of the mountain. This is called a rain shadow. This rain shadow effect often causes dry areas and even deserts to develop on the leeward sides of mountain ranges.

1) Using a map sketch an aerial view of your community reaching out 250 Km in all directions in the area below.

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2) With the help of your teacher, complete the following information for your community.

City Latitude Global Climate Zone Elevation Proximity to Water

3) Based upon all of the work that you have done previously, what do you believe to be the

most significant influences on climate where you live? Provide an explanation supporting your statement.

Explore Further:

Create a Climograph for your Location

Use the following instructions to download 30 year precipitation and temperature data for the area where you live to create a climograph. Using the investigations 1 through 4 compare your local data to the city data provide to explore the influence of each of the following, latitude, elevation, proximity to water and physical features.

1. Create a hypothesis about the primary influence of climate on their area in which you live.

2. If you were to conduct a research investigation about the primary influence of your local

climate, what data would you want to collect to confirm your hypothesis

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Finding and Formatting Temperature, Precipitation & Location Data for Student Research

Find the Latitude and Longitude of a Study Site (city)

Use the MY NASA Data Lat / Long Tool to locate your location anywhere on earth http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/LatLon.html Pan and zoom the map to find your location and double click to show your latitude and longitude.

Precipitation Data Set

1) Open the Intermediate Edition of the Live Access Server (LAS) http://mynasadata.larc.nasa.gov/las15/servlets/dataset

2) Click Water link, then Monthly Precipitation (CMAP). (Click Next) 3) Enter the following parameters

Select view: Time series Select output: ASCII file (text file) Select region: Of Study Site Location Enter Latitude and Longitude: to the right of the map. Select time range: below the map

4) All other values should remain on default Select Next 5) When data opens in a new window, right click (Your ASCII file) and select (save link as)

to save your data as a text file. 6) Data Variable: Average Monthly Rate of Precipitation (measured in mm/day)

Temperature Data Set

1) Open the NOAA NNDC Climate Data Server http://www7.ncdc.noaa.gov/CDO/cdoselect.cmd?datasetabbv=GSOD&countryabbv=&georegionabbv=

2) Select your Region or Country (Click Continue) 3) Select your State or Region if needed (Click Continue) 4) Select the desired weather station (Click Continue

Select time range: All other values should remain on default (Click Continue)

5) When data opens in a new window, right click (Your txt file) and select (save link as) to save your data.

6) Data Variable: Mean temperature for the day (measured in degrees Fahrenheit)

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Opening MY NASA DATA & NOAA Data in Excel

1) After downloading data from MY NAA Data & NOAA Web Sites, Open a new Excel spreadsheet

2) Click on the Data Menu, select From Text. A Browse window should open. Select the text file corresponding to the downloaded Data set that you would like to view.

3) Follow the Text Import Wizard; These Data sets are either tab or space delimited. The wizard should detect this structure. Simply click Next several times then select Finish, and put the data in the existing worksheet.

4) Repeat Process for second data set if needed 5) Analyze your data set using Excel tools

Setting up Climatograms for Precipitation Data in Excel

1. After downloading your data set into a Excel Spreadsheet 2. Place the initials of each month in Column A 3. Place the amount of precipitation for each month in Column B 4. Highlight all values in Columns A and B 5. Click on the Insert Tab on the Toolbar above 6. Select the Line Chart drop down menu. Select Line Graph 7. Select the Chart Layout you would like from the Toolbar above 8. Label the Chart Title “Total Precipitation, city name, year” 9. Label the y-Axis “Precipitation (cm)”

Setting up Climatograms for Temperature Data in Excel

1. After downloading your data set into a Excel Spreadsheet 2. Follow these steps to Convert Degrees Fahrenheit to Degrees Celsius

Click on Row D, to highlight the entire row Right Click and select Insert, to Insert a new row In that new row, Select the cell to the left of the first numeric temperature data Insert the following formula into the cell and select return =(E2-32)*(5/9) Next, select that same cell, Mouse over the lower right corner of the cell Drag the cell down to end of your data.

3. Highlight all values in Columns C and D 4. Click on the Insert Tab on the Toolbar above 5. Select the Column Chart drop down menu. 6. Select the Chart Layout you would like from the Toolbar above 7. Label the Chart Title “Average Temperature, city name, year” 8. Label the y-Axis “Temperature (C)”

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30 year (1979-2008) mean air temperature (C) & total precipitation (mm) (Source: NNDC) 30 year (1979-2008) mean air temperature (C) & total precipitation (mm) (Source: NNDC)

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Latitude: 9.14 N Longitude: 38.44 E

Elevation: 2,355 meters

Climate Zone: Tropical Zone

Proximity to Water: @ 663 kilometers

Amsterdam, Netherlands


Elevation: 2 meters

Climate Zone: Temperate Zone

Proximity to Water: Located on Water

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Anchorage, Alaska USA

Latitude: 61.13 N Longitude: 149.53 W

Elevation: 31 meters

Climate Zone: Polar Zone


Bangalore, India





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Bangkok, Thailand


Elevation: 2 meters



Berlin, Germany





316

281

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Cairo, Egypt





Cape Town, South Africa


Elevation: 7 meters



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Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Latitude: 06.48 S Longitude: 39.17 E




Kiev, Ukraine




Proximity to Water: @ 1,600 kilometers

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London, England





Mexico City, Mexico





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244

294

229

Manila, Philippians





Miami, Florida USA


Elevation: 2 meters



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Ottawa, Canada





Panama City, Panama


Elevation: 2 meters



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Quito, Ecuador

Latitude: 00.15 S Longitude: 78.35 W




Reykjavik, Iceland



Climate Zone: Polar Zone


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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia





Santiago, Chile

Latitude: 33.27 S Longitude: 70.40 W




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Sydney, Australia

Latitude: 33.51 S Longitude: 151.12 E

Elevation: 1 meters



Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic





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Tokyo, Japan





Warsaw, Poland





Exploring Climate Influences Answer Sheet

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Investigation 1: Investigate the influence of latitude on climate

The influence of latitude on climate is part of the earth-sun relationship. During the earth’s annual revolution around the sun, the sun’s direct rays fall upon the planet in a regular pattern. The pattern can be correlated with zones of latitude to describe climate zones. Within each latitude zone, the climate follows general patterns.

1) Make a prediction about how monthly temperature and precipitation change as latitude increases. Students answers will vary, temperature decreases as latitude increases, temperature warms as you near the equator.

2) Complete the table below using Exploring the Influence of Climate world city data handouts


Zone Elevation

Proximity to Water


Temperature (°C)


Temperature (°C)


Tokyo, Japan 35.42 N Temperate 40 m @50 Km January 6°C August 27°C 6 to 27

Sydney, Australia 33.51 S Temperate 1 m On water January 26°C April 30°C 26 to 30

Cape Town, South Africa 33.55 S Temperate 7 m On water July 12°C January 21°C 12 to 21

Anchorage, United States 61.13 N Polar 31 m On water January -9°C July 15°C -9 to 15

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 24.38 N Tropical 618 m @500 Km January 14°C July 36°C 14 to 36

3) After viewing your world map as well as the results from the tables above, write a statement about how the monthly temperature and precipitation change as latitude increases. Student answers should reflect Question 1 above providing evidence from the table above for Tokyo, Sydney, Cape Town, Anchorage or Riyadh.

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Test your statement

4) Complete the tables below using the Exploring the Influence of Climate world city data handouts


Zone Elevation

Proximity to Water


Temperature (°C)


Temperature (°C)


Reykjavik, Iceland 64.08 N Polar 16 m On water January 0°C July 11°C 0 to 11

Cairo, Egypt 30.30 N Temperate 23 m On water January 14°C July 28°C 14 to 28

Ottawa, Canada 45.25 N Temperate 70 m @300 Km January -9°C July 20°C -9 to 20

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 06.48 S Tropical 55 m On water July 23°C January 28°C 23 to 28

Santiago, Chile 33.27 S Temperate 520 m @100 Km July 13°C January 27°C 13 to 27

5) Do the results from the tables above confirm or dispute your statement made in #3 above? Explain. Students answers will vary, temperatures cool from tropical to temperate to polar climate zones.

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Investigation 2: Investigate the influence of elevation on climate

Due to the relationship between the elevation of a place and its temperature, changes in elevation can affect the environment as much as changes in latitude. In this investigation you will investigate the relationship between elevation and climate.

1) Make a prediction about how monthly temperature and precipitation change as elevation increases. Student answers will vary, as elevation increases temperature decreases


City Latitude Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 18.30 N Miami, USA 25.47 N Panama City, Panama 08.59 N Manila, Philippines 14.35 N Bangkok, Thailand 13.45 N Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 09.14 N Bangalore, India 12.58 N Mexico City, Mexico 19.26 N Quito, Ecuador 00.15 S

3) After viewing the world map, and the results from the chart above, what do these cities

have in common in terms of their location on earth? Each city listed above is in or just outside of the Northern Hemisphere and is located in the tropical climate zone between the equator and 30 degrees.

4) After viewing each cities data, describe what these cities have in common as to their temperature and precipitation patterns? Student answers will vary, each city has consistent monthly temperatures with little variation between a summer and winter. Precipitation patterns reflect seasonal change.

5) Which cities are different from the others? How are they different? Addis Ababa, Mexico City and Quito all have significantly lower monthly temperatures than the other cities listed.

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6) Since all of these cities are located in the tropical climate zone, what other factor could explain the difference in their temperature and precipitation patterns? Student answers will vary, all cities are located in a close proximity to water, elevation could be the factor that explains different temperature patterns.


handouts.

City Elevation Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 14 meters Miami, USA 2 meters Panama City, Panama 2 meters Manila, Philippines 16 meters Bangkok, Thailand 2 meters Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2,355 meters Bangalore, India 920 meters Mexico City, Mexico 2,260 meters Quito, Ecuador 2,280 meters

8) Based on your observations of climate in the tropical climate zone and the information in

the table above, create a statement about the influences of elevation on temperature. Elevation is the main factor that causes Addis Ababa, Mexico City and Quito to have cooler climates. Elevation can affect climate as much as changes in latitude.

9) How did your predictions form Question 1 above, compare to your observations and the data in the tables above showed?

Student answers will vary

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Investigation 3: Investigate the influence of proximity to water on climate

Climate varies dramatically depending on the amount of precipitation as well as the proximity to water in an environment. Ocean currents affect climate in the coastal lands along which they flow. Cold ocean currents cool the lands they pass while warm ocean currents bring warmer temperatures. Therefore, the size of a continent affects both the temperature range and the amount of moisture in the interior. The larger the continent, the further away the ocean and the larger the difference between summer and winter. In this investigation you will investigate the relationship between proximity to water and climate.

1) Make a prediction about how monthly temperature and precipitation change as you move further away from a large body of water.



handouts.

City Latitude Elevation Proximity to Water London, England 51.30 N 24 meters @70 Km Amsterdam, Netherlands 52.22 N 2 meters On water Berlin, Germany 52.30 N 35 meters @500 Km Warsaw, Poland 52.13 N 95 meters @900 Km Kiev, Ukraine 50.27 N 179 meters 1,600 Km

3) After viewing your world map as well as the results from the chart above, what do these cities have in common regarding their location on earth and elevation?

Each of the cities above are located near 50 degrees north and in the Temperate Climate Zone. Each city is also located near sea level, no significant elevation.

4) After viewing each cities temperature data, complete the table below.

City Coldest mean monthly temperature

Approximate mean yearly temperature

London, England 5°C 11°C Amsterdam, Netherlands 3°C 10°C Berlin, Germany 1°C 8°C Warsaw, Poland -2°C 8°C Kiev, Ukraine -5°C 7°C

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5) After viewing each cities temperature and precipitation data, which cities have the

mildest winter temperatures? (winter in the northern hemisphere is considered to be from December through February)

London and Amsterdam have the mildest winter temperatures.

6) What happens to the winter temperatures as you move from London to Kiev?

London and Amsterdam have the mildest winter temperatures and as you move further from the ocean the winters are more severe. Kiev experiences the most severe winters.

7) Based on observations of climate of several cities with similar latitude, create a statement about the influence of proximity to water, or distance from it, on patterns of temperature. Statements should reflect that as you move further from the ocean the winters are more severe.

8) How did your predictions from Question 1 above, reflect what your observations and the data in the table showed?


Revisit your initial observations

1) After conducting Investigations 1 through 3, revisit your initial answers on the world map of the 3 hottest and coldest cities in July. Make any changes to your answers if needed.

7


Investigation 4: Investigate the influence of physical features on your community

The surface features of the earth, such as bodies of water and mountains can influence the climate of a location. The climates of two locations at the same latitude can be very different, depending on the presence or absence of certain landforms. For example, large bodies of water are slower to heat and cool than land. As a result, water temperatures are more uniform and constant than land temperatures due to the high specific heat of water.

Mountain ranges also influence precipitation and affect climate. Air is cooled when winds blow over a body of water and are pushed upward over a mountain range, resulting in the release of moisture in the form of precipitation. This precipitation falls in the form of rain and snow on the more on the windward side of the mountain, the side of the mountain facing the wind. After the precipitation is released, winds become warmer and drier as they descend on the opposite or leeward side of the mountain. This is called a rain shadow. This rain shadow effect often causes dry areas and even deserts to develop on the leeward sides of mountain ranges.

1) Using a map sketch an aerial view of your community reaching out 250 Km in all directions in the area below. Student should use an atlas to sketch their local community using examples similar to those below for mountains, oceans, lakes, rivers, deserts, forest and cities.

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2) With the help of your teacher, complete the following information for your community.

Refer to an encyclopedia, geography text book or online source such as www.wikipedia.com

City Latitude Global Climate Zone Elevation Proximity to Water

3) Based upon all of the work that you have done previously, what do you believe to be the

most significant influences on climate where you live? Provide an explanation supporting your statement.

Student should refer to each Investigation while defending their answer

Explore Further:

Create a Climograph for your Location

Use the following instructions to download 30 year precipitation and temperature data for the area where you live to create a climograph. Using the investigations 1 through 4 compare your local data to the city data provide to explore the influence of each of the following, latitude, elevation, proximity to water and physical features.

1. Create a hypothesis about the primary influence of climate on their area in which you live.

2. If you were to conduct a research investigation about the primary influence of your local climate, what data would you want to collect to confirm your hypothesis

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