Climate and Its Determinants

Climate Definition

• Climate is the weather pattern in a location over a long period (usually 30 years).
• It's different from daily or weekly weather reports.
• Climate factors affect how people dress and plan vacations.

Factors Determining Climate

• Temperature: A key element in defining climate.
• Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air.
• Distance from bodies of water: Impacts temperature and moisture.
• Wind: Influences weather patterns and temperature.
• Precipitation: The amount and type of rainfall or snowfall.
• Topography: Land and water features (mountains, lakes, rivers) affect local climate.
• Latitude: Distance from the equator affects temperature variations.
• Elevation: Height above sea level influences temperature and precipitation.

Climate Groups

• Scientists categorize climates into main groups based on factors.
• There are five main climate groups.
• A sixth (highland) climate group exists at high elevations, but not always considered in discussions.

Tropical Climates

• Found near the equator.
• Characterized by heat and heavy rainfall.
• Examples include rainforests and savannas.
• Rainforests are consistently warm and humid with abundant rainfall.
• Savannas experience wet and dry seasons.

Dry Climates

• Characterized by heat and low precipitation.
• Often found in Africa and Australia.
• Arid deserts receive less than a foot of rain annually.
• Semi-arid grasslands receive more rain, supporting plant life.

Mild Climates

• Experience warm and cold seasons, frequently near large bodies of water.
• Mediterranean climates (e.g., Mediterranean Sea area): Warm summers, cool rainy winters.
• Humid subtropical climates (e.g., parts of the US): Hot, humid summers, cold winters, rain in either season.
• Marine climates (e.g., Seattle): Cold winters, abundant rainfall.

Continental Climates

• Found in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Experience distinct, contrasting seasons.
• Humid continental climates (e.g., parts of the US): Warm summers, cold winters.
• Subarctic climates (e.g., parts of Canada): Lower temperatures, longer winters.

Polar Climates

• Located within the Arctic and Antarctic circles.
• Tundra climates: Very cold with long winters but brief, plant-supporting summers.
• Icecap climates: Temperatures are consistently below freezing with little precipitation on the ice-covered ground year-round.