Unit 5 - 5.04 Factors that Influence Climate Flashcards
main factors that affect an area’s climate are
- distance from the equator
- altitude
- direction of winds
- ocean currents
- distance from a large body of water
Distance from the Equator
The main factor that influences the climate of a place is the distance from the equator.
The closer a place is to the equator, the warmer its climate.
Why the closer a place is to the equator, the warmer its climate.
The tilt of the Earth makes it so places near the equator receive more direct sunlight from the sun than do places near the North and South Poles. Since places near the equator receive more direct sunlight, they will receive more heat than places near the poles. This causes places that are near the equator to have a warmer climate.
altitude
Altitude is a location’s distance above the ocean. Altitude is usually measured in feet.
high/low altitude
Places that are close to the ocean will have a low altitude, and places that are farther away from the ocean will have a higher altitude.
How does altitude affect climate?
Most of the time places with higher altitudes will have colder climates, and places with lower altitudes will have warmer climates.
Direction of Winds
Wind can greatly affect climate. Wind can bring cold or warm air into an area.
Winds that blow from the _____ will bring cold air.
poles
-Winds that blow from the ______ will bring warm air.
equator
Ocean Currents
Ocean currents affect climate in a way similar to winds. Ocean currents move water around the ocean.
Warm water currents are currents that move water away from the _____.
equator
Cold water currents are currents that move water away from the _____.
poles
Places that are near ____ ______ currents will have a warmer climate.
warm water
Places that are near cold water currents will have a _____ climate.
colder
____ is a special compound. ____ can resist temperature changes more than any other compound.
water
