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Factors that Affect Climate (Factors Affecting Climate (Prevailing Air…
Factors that Affect Climate
Factors Affecting Climate
Latitude
The distance a place is from the equator
Further a place from the equator the cooler it is likely to be
Distance from Seas and Oceans
The sea absorbs and loses heat much more slowly than land. Because if this, coastal lands tend to become very hot in summer or very cold in winter. Their annual temperature ranges are therefore quite small.
Land absorbs and loses heat much more quickly than sea. Because of this, places far inland ten to become hot in summer and very cold in winter. Their annual temperature ranges are large.
Prevailing Air Masses or Winds
The wind that blows most frequently over an area is called the prevailing wind
Northerly air masses (polar winds)
Are cool because they came from colder, higher latitudes
Are dry, because they absorb moisture as they move into warmer, lower latitudes
Easterly winds come from the Eurasian landmass
They are warm in summer and very cold in winter
They are dry, because they can absorb little moisture over land
Southerly air masses (tropical winds)
Are warm because they come from warmer, lower latitudes
May bring rain, if they give off moisture as they approach cooler, higher latitudes
Local Climates
Altitude
Means the height above sea level
The higher the altitude, the cooler its climate will be
Decrease is known as the lapse rate
Relief
Means the shape of the land's suface
Aspect and precipitation
Aspect and temperatures