Questions and Answers
What is climate?
The long term average weather conditions that occur in a particular region.
What are the two factors that affect climate?
Temperature and precipitation.
What is a microclimate?
Small areas with climate conditions that differ from those around them.
What are the three factors that affect temperature?
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What is latitude?
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What is the tropical zone?
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What is the polar zone?
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What is the temperate zone?
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What is altitude?
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What is distance from oceans and lakes?
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What are marine climates?
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What are continental climates?
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What are ocean currents?
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What are the three factors that affect precipitation?
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What are prevailing winds?
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What is the presence of mountains?
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What are rain shadows?
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What are seasons?
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Study Notes
Climate Basics
- Climate refers to the long-term average weather conditions in a specific region.
Key Climate Influencing Factors
- Two primary factors affecting climate are temperature and precipitation.
Microclimates
- Microclimates are small areas with unique climate conditions that differ from the surrounding environment.
Temperature Influences
- Three main factors that affect temperature:
- Latitude: Divides Earth's surface into three temperature zones.
- Altitude: Temperature decreases as altitude increases.
- Distance from oceans and lakes: Large bodies of water moderate temperatures by heating and cooling slowly.
Temperature Zones
- Tropical Zone: Located near the equator with warm climates due to direct sunlight year-round.
- Polar Zone: Characterized by cold climates as sunlight strikes the ground at lower angles.
- Temperate Zone: Found between polar and tropical zones, it experiences warm summers and cold winters.
Climate Types
- Marine Climates: Feature relatively warm winters and cool summers.
- Continental Climates: Occur inland, marked by cold winters and warm to hot summers.
Ocean Currents
- Ocean currents affect climate by transporting warm or cool air to adjacent land areas.
Precipitation Influences
- Three main factors affecting precipitation:
- Prevailing Winds: Carry warm, moist air or cool air over land.
- Presence of Mountains: Mountain ranges block prevailing winds, influencing where precipitation falls.
- Seasons: Monsoons occur when sea and land breezes shift direction with changing seasons.
Rain Shadows
- Rain shadows are areas of low rainfall found on the leeward side of mountains, resulting from the blockage of moist air by the mountains.
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Description
This set of flashcards covers essential terms and concepts related to factors influencing climate. Explore definitions and questions about climate, microclimates, and the main factors affecting temperature and precipitation. Perfect for students studying environmental science or related fields.