4.8 - Earth's Geography and Climate

Question 1

Climate is largely determined by what?

Answer 1

Insolation - latitude causes the angle isolation and atmosphere

Question 2

How does latitude relate to climate?

Answer 2

• higher latitudes receive less insolation: cooler, less precipitation (especially 30°)
• Equator receives most intense insolation: higher temperature, air rises, more precipitation

Question 3

How does geography play a role in climate?

Answer 3

• Mountains: disrupt wind and produce rain shadow effect
• Oceans: moderate temperature and add moisture to the air

Question 4

Explain Rain Shadows

Answer 4

• 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