Factors Affecting Climate

Lesson #14 (Climate)Worksheet #7Factors Affecting ClimateFactors that Affect TemperatureFactors that Affect PrecipitationLatitude: As latitude increases, theaverage yearly temperature decreases.Latitude: Belts of Low Pressure at 0ºand at 60º North and South latitudesproduce heavy precipitation. Belts ofHigh Pressure centered at 30º Northand South latitudes produce dryclimates and deserts.Proximity to large bodies of water:Areas near large bodies of water havea smaller range in temperaturevariations throughout the year. Areasfar from water have larger variations intemperature throughout the year.Proximity to large bodies of water:Areas near large bodies of water tendto have higher than average levels ofprecipitation, especially on the leewardside of the water.Location on Land Masses: Locationsnear the center of a large landmasstend to have wide ranges intemperatures both between day andnight, and seasonally.Location on Land Masses: Locationshear the center of a large landmasstend to have drier climates incomparison to locations near water.Location near mountain ranges:Windward sides are cooled whileleeward sides are warmed.Location near mountain ranges:Windward sides of mountains tend toreceive higher than averageprecipitation; leeward sides ofmountains tend to receive lower thanaverage precipitation.Elevation: As elevation increases, theaverage yearly temperatures decrease.Prevailing Wind Direction: Globalwind patterns determine the windwardand leeward sides of both mountainranges and bodies of water.Ocean Currents: Ocean currents tendto warm temperatures of easterncoastal areas and cool western coastalareas.Use the information on this page to complete the activity on the nextpage.1

Lesson #14 (Climate)Worksheet #7Factors that affect climate activity #1As you know, climate is determined by the temperature and the precipitationcharacteristics of a region over time. The temperature characteristics of a regionare influenced by natural factors such as latitude, elevation, and the presence ofocean currents. The precipitation characteristics of a region are influenced byfactors such as proximity to mountain ranges and prevailing winds. These too, arenatural factors that influence temperature.The temperatures and precipitation of a region remain relatively unchanged forthousands of years. Changes in climate are very gradual. Various years throughouthistory may be noted for being particularly hot, cold, wet or dry, but when manyyears are considered, these wild fluctuation in climate combine with manyrelatively “normal” years to develop a picture of the average climatecharacteristics of a region over time.Objectives:To identify the factors that affect the climate of a region;To identify and analyze the effects that various factors have on the climateof a hypothetical region of the globe.Procedure:1) Use the table of factors that influence climates above and an atlas to answerthe questions in the analysis and comprehension section which refer to thediagram. The diagram represents an imaginary continent on the Earth surroundedby water. The arrows indicate the direction of the prevailing winds. The large mountain ranges are also indicated. Points A, B and E are located at sea level: points C and D are in thefoothills of the mountains. Point F is high in the mountains.Map:Please look at the map on the next page and determine the climates of thelocations A - F. Then use the factors that affect climate to answer the questionsthat follow.2

Lesson #14 (Climate)Worksheet #73

Lesson #14 (Climate)Worksheet #7Analysis and Comprehension:1) What is the direction of the wind in the region:a) Above and below 60º North latitude?b) Above and below 60º South latitude?c) Between 60º and 30º North and South Latitude?d) Between 30º North and South Latitudes and the equator?2) What could be the reason for the change in wind directions?3) GIve the locations of the 2 mountain ranges.4) Which city probably has the same type of weather year round? Why?a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page to find areal city in a similar location on Earth. What is that city?5) What factor would cause location F to have a colder yearly climate than anyother location?a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page to find areal city in a similar location on Earth. What is that city?6) What 3 factors would cause location E to have the greatest annual rainfall?a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page to find areal city in a similar location on Earth. What is that city?4

Lesson #14 (Climate)Worksheet #77) Which location, C or D, would you expect to have the greatest annual rainfall ofthe two? Explain your rationale.a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page to find a two realcities in a similar location on Earth. What are those cities?8) Which location, A or B would you expect to have the greater range intemperature during the year? Explain your rationale for that answer.a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page to find a two realcities in a similar location on Earth. What are those cities?9) Location A is in the center of a large desert. What factor could account for itslow annual precipitation?a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page to find a real cityin a similar location on Earth. What is that city?10) What 3 factors would cause the climate in location D to be cooler than atlocation B?a) Use an atlas, globe, or the map in your textbook on page to find a real cityin a similar location on Earth. What is that city?5

Lesson #14 (Climate)Worksheet #7Tilt of the EarthThe tilt of the Earth is an important factor is creating different climate zones aswell as the Seasons. The primary reason for the different climates in relation tothe Earth is because the Earth is round, and tilted. This creates the unevenheating of the Earth.1.According to the image of the tilted Earth, which season do you think NorthAmerica is experiencing? Explain your answer.2. Draw where the tropical zone is. Describe how you know where it is?3. Based on the image, the South Pole (Antarctica) is pointing slightly towards thesun. However, it still remains a frozen place. Why do you think this occurs?4.The Earth is tilted at a 23.5 angle. If this angle increased to 45 , how do youthink the Earth’s climates would be affected?6

Lesson #14 (Climate)Worksheet #75. In approximately six months from today, South America will be experiencingwhich season? Explain.6. You just received a text from your friend Tasha who is planning a vacation inBrazil in 3 months, but she is unsure on what kind of clothes to pack. Offersuggestions with appropriate rationale.7. England historically has a milder temperature and climate than its neighbors.How can this be explained? (Hint - look at how the Coriolis Effect moves wateraround).8.A rubber duck has been tossed overboard off the coast of Peru. Describe hisjourney BACK to Peru, including the direction of the ocean currents, the movementof the water due to the Coriolis Effect, and the various climates encountered.7

Lesson #14 (Climate) Worksheet #7 Factors that affect climate activity #1 As you know, climate is determined by the temperature and the precipitation characteristics of a region over time. The temperature characteristics of a region are influenced by natural factors such as latitude, elevation, and the presence of ocean currents.