Notes

Factors of Climate
Latitude:
As latitude increases, what happens to temperature?
???
As latitude increases, what happens to moisture?
???
If you enjoy experiencing the four seasons, where should you live?
???
Why doesn’t longitude impact climate?
???

Elevation/Altitude
As elevation increases, what happens to temperature?
???
As elevation increases, what happens to moisture?
???
What main force is responsible for making the difference in temperatures between elevation levels?
???
It has been said that Astronauts that return from outer space come back home up to two inches taller. Explain this based on the information given.
???

Wind Currents
What causes wind?
???
Which latitudinal areas of the earth experience westerlies?
???
Much of the earth’s severe storms begin near 30 degrees latitude. Look at the map and predict why the severe storms might begin here.
???
Based on your knowledge of latitude’s effect on weather, how does that also help create storms in the tropics?
???

Ocean Currents
Based on your knowledge of latitude’s effect on climates, you are able to determine the general temperature of the ocean current. What is the general temperature (hot or cold) of the Californian current?
???
What is the general temperature of the North Pacific Drift?
???
London, England is located at 51.5 degrees north of the equator and has a yearly average temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Irkutsk, Russia is 2 degrees closer to the equator and has a yearly average temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit. What keeps London so warm?
???

Continentality
Define continentality in your own words.
???
Assuming all other factors are equal, how would the summer temperatures vary between a place on the coast and one in the center of the continent?
???
Assuming all other factors are equal, how would the winter temperatures vary between a place on the coast and one in the center of the continent?
???
With Antarctica excluded on the map, there are no extremely cold climates in the southern hemisphere. Why is this true?
???
Topography

What is another name for the mountain barrier effect?
???
What causes clouds to turn to rain?
???
Southern Africa and South America both have deserts along their west coasts. Which way must the prevailing winds blow?
???
Draw a picture representing the mountain barrier effect. Be sure to label the sides as the dry versus wet and leeward versus windward. (Draw and take a picture of your drawing or create a digital image. DO NOT use an existing diagram of the mountain barrier effect.)