Chapter 2 - Notes on Climate

Chapter 2

Why is Climate important?

Key Definitions:

1)    Weather – the short- term conditions of the air in a particular place and on a particular date. It usually describes what it is like outside today. It often includes what the temperature is predicted to be, whether it’s sunny or cloudy and whether there is a chance of precipitation.

2)    Climate – the average weather of an area over a long period of time.

3)    Climate Change – changes in the long-term weather patterns caused by natural events or human activity.

4)    Global Warming – an increase in the average global temperatures near the Earth’s surface.

5)    Precipitation – any form of water that falls from the atmosphere.

            Types of Precipitation – Rain, snow, hail, sleet, freezing rain, fog etc.

Climate Regions of the World

1.    Tropical Climate – hot with rain all year

2.    Savanna Climate – hot with dry season

3.    Steppe Climate – warm and dry

4.    Desert Climate – hot and very dry

5.    Mild Climate – warm and wet

6.    Continental Climate – dry with cold winter

7.    Subarctic Climate – very cold winter

8.    Polar Climate – very cold and dry

9.    Mountainous Climate – altitude affects climate

Climate Factors

Global Factors:

Ø Latitude – hottest areas of the earth are located close to the equator, coolest areas closest to the poles

Ø Wind Systems – there are prevailing winds at different latitudes. Our prevailing wind system in our area is the “Prevailing Westerlies”

Ø Air Masses – there are air masses of different temperatures and pressures that affect climate

Ø Ocean Currents – warm and cold ocean currents exist and affect the temperatures of the air travelling above them

Regional Factors:

Ø Altitude – higher the elevation the cooler it is

Ø Mountain Barriers – orthographic precipitation

Ø Bodies of Water – large bodies of water retain heat which affect climate. In the cooler months, places located close to bodies of water are usually warmer, and in the warmer months of the year, places are usually cooler than locations not near the water.

Ø Deserts - areas that have less than 250mm of total precipitation