Questions and Answers
What factors affect climate?
l.e.m.p.o.s.
What does latitude tell us?
how far north or south of the equator a place is located.
Areas in the ______ receive the most direct sunlight.
tropics
Areas near the _____ only receive indirect sunlight.
Signup and view all the answers
What angle is Earth's axis at?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens on the equinox?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the date of the summer equinox?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the date of the winter equinox?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the greenhouse effect?
Signup and view all the answers
What does longitude measure?
Signup and view all the answers
Temperature decreases ___ degrees for every 1,000 ft.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the orographic effect?
Signup and view all the answers
____ and ______ are slower to heat up and cool down than nearby landmasses.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the Coriolis effect?
Signup and view all the answers
What do hurricanes cool or warm?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following weather phenomena:
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Factors Affecting Climate
- Climate is influenced by several key factors including latitude, elevation, and proximity to water bodies.
Latitude
- Latitude measures the distance north or south of the equator, crucial for understanding climate variations.
Tropics
- The tropics receive the most direct sunlight, contributing to warmer temperatures and distinct ecosystems.
Poles
- Areas near the poles experience primarily indirect sunlight, leading to colder climates and less biodiversity.
Earth's Axis
- The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees, which affects seasonal changes and climate patterns.
Equinox
- Equinoxes occur when day and night are of equal length, highlighting the balance of sunlight on Earth.
Summer Equinox
- The summer equinox occurs on June 21st, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Winter Equinox
- The winter equinox takes place on December 21st, noted for the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere.
Greenhouse Effect
- The greenhouse effect is a natural process where gases like carbon dioxide and methane trap heat in the atmosphere, essential for maintaining Earth's temperature.
Time Zones
- Time zones are determined by longitude, which helps standardize time across different regions.
Temperature Decrease
- Temperature decreases approximately 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet in elevation.
Orographic Effect
- The orographic effect describes precipitation patterns where moist air rises over mountains, cooling and losing moisture as rain or snow.
Bodies of Water
- Oceans and lakes heat up and cool down more slowly than landmasses, impacting local climate patterns and weather.
Coriolis Effect
- The Coriolis effect causes the deflection of moving air and water due to the rotation of the Earth; it turns left in the Southern Hemisphere and right in the Northern Hemisphere.
Landmasses and Temperature
- Air masses pass over landmasses that either warm or cool them, influencing local weather conditions.
Hurricanes
- Various storm systems such as monsoons, cyclones, and typhoons are collectively referred to as hurricanes in different regions.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the critical elements that influence the Earth's climate. Understand how latitude, elevation, and proximity to water shape weather patterns and ecosystems. Delve into concepts such as equinoxes and the Earth's axial tilt to grasp their impacts on seasonal changes.
