Chapter 5: Climates And Natural Regions

Question 1

Explain how latitude influences a climate

Answer 1

• Latitude refers to the distance North or South of the equator
• In general, the further north/south you go, the colder it will be

Question 2

Explain how distance from the sea/ocean influences a climate

Answer 2

• water in the sea absorbs heat very slowly in the summer and loses it slowly in the winter meaning that it heats up coastal in the winter and cools it down in the summer meaning there is a smaller temperature range
• opposite for land

Question 3

Explain how prevailing winds and air masses influence climate

Answer 3

Winds can make an area warmer, colder, wetter or drier. Their influence depends on the direction from which they come and and whether they pass over wind or water.

Question 4

Northerly winds

Answer 4

Cold

Generally dry

Question 5

Easterly winds

Answer 5

Warm in the summer
Cold in the winter
Usually dry

Question 6

Southerly winds

Answer 6

Warm

Some rain

Question 7

South-westerly winds

Answer 7

Cool in the summer
Mild in the winter
Rain bearing

Question 8

What is a local climate

Answer 8

The climate experienced by a small region

Question 9

Explain how aspect influences a climate

Answer 9

Aspect refers to the direction in which a slope is facing eg. North or south. In the Northern Hemisphere southern facing slopes are warmer because:
The sun shines directly on them
Warm southerly winds blow against them
Protected from cold northerly winds

Question 10

Factors that influence a climate

Answer 10

Latitude
Distance from the sea/ocean
Prevailing winds and air masses
Aspect
Altitude

Question 11

Explain how altitude influences a climate

Answer 11

Altitude refers to height above sea level. In general, the higher you climb, the colder it is. The temperature drops 7°C for every km up you go up.
This is because the air is thinner and can hold less heat, it is also more exposed to wind (“wind-chill-factor”)