4.8 - Earth's Geography and Climate Flashcards
1
Q
Climate is largely determined by what?
A
Insolation - latitude causes the angle isolation and atmosphere
2
Q
How does latitude relate to climate?
A
- higher latitudes receive less insolation: cooler, less precipitation (especially 30°)
- Equator receives most intense insolation: higher temperature, air rises, more precipitation
3
Q
How does geography play a role in climate?
A
- Mountains: disrupt wind and produce rain shadow effect
- Oceans: moderate temperature and add moisture to the air
4
Q
Explain Rain Shadows
A
- Warm, moist air from the ocean hits the “windward” side of the mountain, rises, and cools causing lush, green vegetation
- Dry air descends down the leeward (opposite) side of the mountain, warming as it sinks causing airid desert condition
- An example of this is the andes mountains
- Wind blows from the East onto South America
- The eastern side of the mountains are rainforests while the coastal, weartn side is airid and dry