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Factors Affecting Climate
Factors that Affect Temperature Factors that Affect Precipitation
Latitude: As latitude increases, the average yearly temperature decreases.
Latitude: Belts of Low Pressure at 0º and at 60º North and South latitudes produce heavy precipitation. Belts of High Pressure centered at 30º North and South latitudes produce dry climates and deserts.
Proximity to large bodies of water: Areas near large bodies of water have a smaller range in temperature variations throughout the year. Areas far from water have larger variations in temperature throughout the year.
Proximity to large bodies of water: Areas near large bodies of water tend to have higher than average levels of precipitation, especially on the leeward side of the water.
Location on Land Masses: Locations near the center of a large landmass tend to have wide ranges in temperatures both between day and night, and seasonally.
Location on Land Masses: Locations hear the center of a large landmass tend to have drier climates in comparison to locations near water.
Location near mountain ranges: Windward sides are cooled while leeward sides are warmed.
Location near mountain ranges: Windward sides of mountains tend to receive higher than average precipitation; leeward sides of mountains tend to receive lower than average precipitation.
Elevation: As elevation increases, the average yearly temperatures decrease.
Prevailing Wind Direction: Global wind patterns determine the windward and leeward sides of both mountain ranges and bodies of water.
Ocean Currents: Ocean currents tend to warm temperatures of eastern coastal areas and cool western coastal areas.
Use the information on this page to complete the activity on the next page.
Factors that affect climate activity
As you know, climate is determined by the temperature and the precipitation characteristics of a region over time. The temperature characteristics of a region are influenced by natural factors such as latitude, elevation, and the presence of ocean currents. The precipitation characteristics of a region are influenced by factors such as proximity to mountain ranges and prevailing winds. These too, are natural factors that influence temperature.
The temperatures and precipitation of a region remain relatively unchanged for thousands of years. Changes in climate are very gradual. Various years throughout history may be noted for being particularly hot, cold, wet or dry, but when many years are considered, these wild fluctuation in climate combine with many relatively “normal” years to develop a picture of the average climate characteristics of a region over time.
Objectives: To identify the factors that affect the climate of a region; To identify and analyze the effects that various factors have on the climate of a hypothetical region of the globe.
Procedure:
- Use the table of factors that influence climates above and an atlas to answer the questions in the analysis and comprehension section which refer to the diagram.
- The diagram represents an imaginary continent on the Earth surrounded by water.
- The arrows indicate the direction of the prevailing winds.
- The large mountain ranges are also indicated.
- Points A, B and E are located at sea level: points C and D are in the foothills of the mountains. Point F is high in the mountains.
Map: Please look at the map on the next page and determine the climates of the locations A - F. Then use the factors that affect climate to answer the questions that follow.
Analysis and Comprehension:
1) What is the direction of the wind in the region: a) Above and below 60º North latitude? b) Above and below 60º South latitude? c) Between 60º and 30º North and South Latitude? d) Between 30º North and South Latitudes and the equator?
2) What could be the reason for the change in wind directions?
3) GIve the locations of the 2 mountain ranges.
4) Which city probably has the same type of weather year round? Why?
a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page ___ to find a real city in a similar location on Earth. What is that city?
5) What factor would cause location F to have a colder yearly climate than any other location?
a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page ___ to find a real city in a similar location on Earth. What is that city?
6) What 3 factors would cause location E to have the greatest annual rainfall?
a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page ___ to find a real city in a similar location on Earth. What is that city?
7) Which location, C or D, would you expect to have the greatest annual rainfall of the two? Explain your rationale.
a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page ___ to find a two real cities in a similar location on Earth. What are those cities?
8) Which location, A or B would you expect to have the greater range in temperature during the year? Explain your rationale for that answer.
a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page ___ to find a two real cities in a similar location on Earth. What are those cities?
9) Location A is in the center of a large desert. What factor could account for its low annual precipitation?
a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page ___ to find a real city in a similar location on Earth. What is that city?
10) What 3 factors would cause the climate in location D to be cooler than at location B?
a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page ___ to find a real city in a similar location on Earth. What is that city?
- In approximately six months from today, South America will be experiencing which season? Explain.
- You just received a text from your friend Tasha who is planning a vacation in Brazil in 3 months, but she is unsure on what kind of clothes to pack. Offer suggestions with appropriate rationale.
- England historically has a milder temperature and climate than its neighbors. How can this be explained? (Hint - look at how the Coriolis Effect moves water around).
8.A rubber duck has been tossed overboard off the coast of Peru. Describe his journey BACK to Peru, including the direction of the ocean currents, the movement of the water due to the Coriolis Effect, and the various climates encountered.
