the amount of solar energy per unit of earth’s surface area depends on latitude. earth’s curved...
TRANSCRIPT
• The amount of solar energy per unit of Earth’s surface area depends on latitude.
• Earth’s curved surface causes latitudes closer to the equator to receive more direct sunlight than latitudes farther north or south.
What affects climate? LATITUDE 1/2
• Latitudes near the poles receive less solar energy and have lower average temperatures.
• Latitudes near the equator tend to have warmer climates than higher latitudes.
What affects climate? What affects climate? LATITUDE 2/2
• Mountains influence climate because they are barriers to prevailing winds.
• An area of low rainfall on the downwind slope of a mountain is called a rain shadow.
What affects climate? What affects climate? RAIN SHADOW
• Climate is influenced by altitude.
• Temperature decreases as altitude increases in the troposphere.
What affects climate? What affects climate? ALTITUDE
• Because land heats and cools more quickly than water, climates along coastlines to remain somewhat constant.
• Prevailing winds extend the moderate temperatures farther inland.
What affects climate? WATER 1/2
• Ocean currents modify climate.• The Gulf Stream is a warm, northward current
along the east coast of North America.• The Gulf Stream brings warmer temperatures to
portions of the United States and Europe.
What affects climate? WATER 1/2