Notes Chapter 6 Lesson 1 Physical Features Affecting Climate
Rotation- Earth rotates on its axis
Revolution- Earth travels around the sun
Earth rotates and revolves at the same time
The part of the Earth facing the sun is warmest and is probably
experiencing summer.
The part farthest is the coldest and probably experiencing winter.
The tilt of the Earth determines the climate.
The Equator is the warmest spot on the Earth during the entire
revolution. It receives the most sun because Earth is at its biggest point
there.
Latitude-runs east to west-measures north to south
Longitude-runs north to south-measures east to west
Altitude-the distance above sea level
latitude
Longitude
Sea
altitude
Heat capacity- the ability to hold heat
The ocean holds heat longer because it has high heat capacity meaning
that it warms up faster and cools down slower.
The land is does not hold heat long because it has low heat capacity
meaning that it warms up slower and cools down faster.
Water and air from/near the equator is the warmest water and air.
Water and air from/near the poles it the coldest air and water.
Topography is how the land is shaped.
Clouds are warmer
Areas with trees are cold
Mountain ranges are cold
Areas without trees can be cold
Clouds are warm because they reflect some of the rays from the sun-day
Clouds are also warm because they hold in the Earths heat-night
Notes Chapter 6 Lesson 2 Climates of the World
5 climates: Polar
Temperate
Tropical
Boreal
Desert
Polar- cold- at the poles- ice (no rain or snow)- considered a desert
Because there is no water
Temperate- life-sun- trees- animals- warm humid summers- cold humid
Winters
Tropical- heat, humid, high water
Boreal- Canada –Siberia –transition of the polar/temperate –small
Summers
Desert- little water –near the equator and poles and temperate zones