Climate Notes
Ch. 13
What’s it like outside today?
describes the ____?_____
weather
What’s the weather been like in this area
over the past 40 years or so?
describes the ___?______
regional climate
If we averaged in all the regional differences in
climate over many decades,
we’d be describing the ____?______
global climate
Climate is determined by:
• Latitude
• Atmospheric circulation patterns
• Oceanic circulation patterns
• Local geography
• Solar activity
• Volcanic activity
Latitude influences climate because more
solar energy falls on areas that are near
the equator than areas closer to the
poles.
Because warm air rises and cools, water
vapor in it condenses to form
precipitation
As warm air rises, cooler air moves in to
take its place, creating wind.
Because the Earth rotates, and different latitudes
receive different amounts of solar energy, a
unique atmospheric circulation pattern results.
This pattern determines the precipitation pattern.
For example, areas near the equator
receive more rain because the
equator gets intense solar energy
which warms the air. Warm air can
hold a large amount of water vapor.
As warm air rises and cools, rain
results.
Cool air at the equator is forced
away from the equator towards
the North and South Poles. This
circulation causes the poles to be
very cold deserts.