climate. what is climate? long term weather pattern. determined by – latitude – precipitation
TRANSCRIPT
Climate
What is climate?
• Long term weather pattern.
• Determined by– Latitude– Precipitation
ClassificationTropical -Between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn
TropicalWet: •Warm Temperatures•Large amounts of rain year-round
Savannah•20-30 degrees N & S of Equator•Wet and Dry seasons
Mid Latitude
MidLatitude
• Mediterranean– Western edge of
continent– Mild wet winters– Warm dry summers– S. California, S. Africa,
Mediterranean area
MidLatitude
• Humid Subtropical– Eastern side of continent– Wet summers– Shorter growing season
than Med. climate
MidLatitude
• Marine West Coast– Western edge of
continent– Wind off water
moderates temperature– Mild summers– Cool winters– Northwestern US,
western Europe
Severe MidLatitude
• Humid Continental– Eastern side of continent– Short summers– Long, cold winters– Eastern North America,
central Europe, Asia
Severe MidLatitude
• Sub-Arctic– long, cold, dark, winter – Short, cool summer– 7 months below freezing– Ice from September to
May
Polar Climate
• Tundra– 1 month above freezing– Near Arctic Circle, North
America and Asia
Polar Climate
• Ice Cap– 9% of earth’s surface– Warmest month
averages below 0– Very little precipitation –
less than 5 inches per year
Any Latitude• Dry Climates– Desert• Less than 10 inches
precipitation per year• Can be cold or hot
– Semi arid• Edges of deserts• Grasses, but not
enough rain for trees
Highland or Mountain
• 30 cooler for every 1000 feet up
Snow on north face of mountains above 12,000 ft, Colorado, July, 2009
Factors that Control the Climate
• Latitude–Determines
intensity of sunlight
• Low=warm• Mid=temperate• High=polar/cold
Factors that Control the Climate• Continentality– Large landmasses affect climate– Far from water, more severe hot and cold
(Omaha)– Near water, moderate climate (Houston, London)
Omaha, Nebraska's large temperature range reflects its continental location.
Located near the ocean, London experiences mild temperatures and ample precipitation throughout the year.
Factors that Control the Climate
• Elevation– Higher is colder
Factors that Control the Climate
• Mountain Barriers– Blocks precipitation and wind– Create rainshadows
Factors that Control the Climate• Ocean currents– Air off ocean can be warm or cold, depending on
current– Moderates temperature (west coast marine)
Hurricanes
– Hurricanes• Begin in warm tropical waters• Move heat/energy toward poles• Clockwise in Northern hemisphere• Camille strongest to hit US
Types of Precipitation
• Convectional– Hot air rises– Its temperature drops– Now the air is cold, and it sinks– Circulating air masses can
produce hail
Types of Precipitation• Orographic– Windward side
of mountain receives rain• Cold air drops
moisture
– Leeward side is dry• rainshadow
Types of Precipitation
• Cyclonic or Frontal– Moving air masses collide• Air mass = air with same temperature and humidity
Climate