September 20, 2012

Factors that affect climate

LAMECOWS

Factors That Effect Climate

Weather vs Climate• Weather:

Atmospheric conditions over a SHORT time (day - NOW)

More WeatherPrecipitation: Moisture that falls from the sky. RAIN, SNOW, SLEET & HAIL!

Climate• Climate:

Atmospheric conditions over a LONG time (YEARS)

World Climate Regions

LAMECOWS• L-atitude• A-ir Pressure• M-ountain

Barriers• E-levation• C-ontinentalality• O-cean Currents• W-ind Belts• S-torms

Latitude

• °N or °S of equator• Equator = direct rays = hot• Poles = very indirect rays = cold• Biggest effect on climate!!

Latitude: Earth Sun Relations

Air Pressure• Unequal heating of earth’s surface

• Low pressure = warm, moist air → rises; forms clouds →storms

• High pressure = cold, dry air → sinks → clear weather

Mountain Barriers• Rain shadow Effect:

Mountains block wind & rain

Windward side (Wet) Leeward side (Dry)

Elevation• Increase in elevation

= Decrease in temperature

Continentality

Oceans collect solar energy

Water heats & cools slower than land, so …

1. Coast = stable temp.

2. Interior = extreme temps.(hotter & colder)

Ocean Currents

• 1. Giant rivers of sea water flowing on ocean surface

• 2. Flow in circular paths:

Warm currents carry water low → high lats.,

Cool currents carry water high → low lats.

Ocean Currents

Wind Belts• “Wind” = air

movement from high pressure to low pressure

• (ex. poke a hole in a tire)

Wind Belts• Trade Winds: high P (30°) → low P (0°)

• Westerlies: high P (30°) → low P (60°) (ex. U.S. weather from west →east)

• Polar winds: → bring cold air from poles (90° → 60°)

Storms

• Occur during low pressure conditions.

• Storm front = when two air masses with different temperatures meet.

StormsThunderstorms: Fronts

& high pressure areas along equator

Tornadoes – form along fronts

Tropical storms/ hurricanes – form in oceans