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Defining Climate. Ch. 14. 1. Climatology. Climatology : the study of Earth’s climate and factors that affect past, present, & future climate changes. Climate : long-term weather patterns of an area. Includes annual (yearly) variations of temp, precip , wind, & other weather variables.
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Defining Climate Ch. 14. 1
Climatology • Climatology: the study of Earth’s climate and factors that affect past, present, & future climate changes. • Climate: long-term weather patterns of an area. • Includes annual (yearly) variations of temp, precip, wind, & other weather variables.
Climatology • Normals: data averaged monthly or annually for 30 years & become the standard values for a location. • Data includes: high & low temp, amt. of rainfall, wind speed & direction, humidity, & air pressure. • Not intended to describe usual weather conditions.
Causes of Climate • Climatic differences caused by… • Differences in latitude • Topography • Closeness of lakes & oceans • Availability of moisture • Global wind patterns • Ocean currents • Air masses
Differences in Latitude • Different areas of Earth received different amounts of solar radiation because of the tilt of Earth when facing the Sun. • Creates climate zones found in each hemisphere.
Latitude & Climate Zones • Tropics • Found between 23.5 North and South and the equator. • Warm nearly year-round. • Temperate Zones • Found between 23.5 and 66.5 degrees North and South of the equator. • Temperatures are moderate (warm and cold). • Polar Zones • Found between 66.5 North & South of equator to the poles. • Temperatures tend to be very cold.
Topographical Effects • Large bodies of water affect climate. • Water heats up and cools down slower than land. • Many coastal regions are warmer in winter & cooler in summer than inland areas at similar latitudes. • Temp decreases in areas of HIGHER altitude. • Mtns are colder than sea level areas.
Topographical Effects • Climates differ on either side of mtns. • Windward side: side of mtn where air rises and condenses to form clouds and drops moisture = wet & cool. • Leeward side: opposite side of windward side, air is drier & warmer as it descends = deserts are common here.
Air Masses • Recall #1: Air masses have distinct regions of origin, caused by differences in amount of solar radiation. • Recall #2: Properties also depend on if they are formed over water or land. • Air masses will reflect the characteristics of that areas climate.
