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🌍 1. Latitude (how far from the equator)

Places near the equator are hot because the sun shines directly on them.

Places near the poles (like the North or South Pole) are cold because the sun's rays are weaker there.

🏔️ 2. Altitude (height above sea level)

The higher up you go (like in the mountains), the colder it gets.

That’s why mountain tops have snow, even in warm countries!

🌊 3. Distance from the Sea

Places near the sea have milder climates (not too hot or cold).

Places far from the sea can have extreme climates (very hot in summer, very cold in winter).

💨 4. Winds and Air Masses

Winds bring air from different places.

Warm winds bring heat.

Cold winds bring cool air.

Wet winds bring rain.

🌧️ 5. Ocean Currents

Warm ocean water makes the nearby land warmer.

Cold ocean water makes the nearby land cooler.

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Mountains affect climate by blocking wind and clouds

One side of the mountain gets rain 🌧️ and the other stays dry☀️

This change the weather in different parts of a region.

IMPACT OF MOUNTAINS

Rain on one side

Cooler temperatures in high place

Dry areas on the other sides

UNDERSTAND MOUNTAINS IN CLIMATE

Weather changes

Climate zone

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Latitude is arguably the single most important factor determining the general climate of a region. It refers to a location's distance north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees (0° at the Equator to 90° at the poles). Here's a breakdown of how it affects climate:

I. Effect on Temperature:

The primary way latitude influences temperature is through the intensity and distribution of solar radiation (sunlight) received.

* Directness of Sunlight:

* Low Latitudes (Tropical Zones - near the Equator, 0° to ~23.5° N/S): The sun's rays hit the Earth's surface most directly, almost perpendicular. This concentrates solar energy over a smaller area, leading to:

* Consistently high average temperatures year-round.

* Minimal seasonal variation in temperature and daylight hours (roughly 12 hours of daylight daily).

* Examples: Tropical rainforests, savannas.

* Mid-Latitudes (Temperate Zones - ~23.5° to ~66.5° N/S): The sun's rays strike the Earth at a more oblique angle. This spreads the solar energy over a larger area, resulting in:

* Moderate temperatures with distinct seasonal changes.

* Significant variation in daylight hours throughout the year (longer days in summer, shorter days in winter).

* Warm summers and cool to cold winters.

* Examples: Deciduous forests, grasslands, Mediterranean climates.

* High Latitudes (Polar Zones - ~66.5° to 90° N/S): The sun's rays hit the Earth at a very shallow, oblique angle. Solar energy is spread over the largest area, and also has to pass through a greater thickness of atmosphere, reducing its intensity. This causes:

* Very cold temperatures year-round.

* Extreme seasonal variations in daylight, including periods of 24-hour daylight (polar day) in summer and 24-hour darkness (polar night) in winter.

* Much of the surface is covered in ice and snow, which have a high albedo (reflectivity), further reducing heat absorption.

* Examples: Tundra, ice caps.

* Earth's Tilt and Orbit: The Earth's axial tilt (approximately 23.5°) as it orbits the sun causes the directness of sunlight to shift seasonally. This effect is most pronounced at higher latitudes, leading to more dramatic seasonal temperature changes.

II. Effect on Precipitation:

Latitude also plays a significant role in global precipitation patterns, mainly through its influence on atmospheric circulation and pressure systems.

* Equatorial Low-Pressure Zone (ITCZ):

* Near the Equator (0°), intense solar heating causes air to warm, expand, and rise. This creates a zone of low atmospheric pressure known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

* Rising air cools, leading to condensation, cloud formation, and abundant rainfall. This is why tropical rainforests are found near the equator.

* Subtropical High-Pressure Zones (~30° N/S):

* As the air that rose at the Equator moves poleward in the upper atmosphere, it cools and sinks around 30° latitude in both hemispheres.

* Sinking air warms and becomes drier, creating zones of high atmospheric pressure.

* These high-pressure zones are associated with clear skies and low precipitation, leading to the world's major deserts (e.g., Sahara, Arabian Desert, Australian Outback).

* Temperate Low-Pressure Zones (~60° N/S):

* At around 60° latitude, warmer air from the mid-latitudes meets colder polar air. This convergence often leads to the formation of low-pressure systems, fronts, and moderate to high precipitation. These regions often experience a more even distribution of precipitation throughout the year.

* Polar High-Pressure Zones (90° N/S):

* Near the poles, extremely cold, dense air sinks, creating persistent high-pressure zones.

* Cold air holds very little moisture, so despite the presence of ice and snow, these regions are technically very dry in terms of precipitation. Precipitation often falls as snow.

III. Climate Zones by Latitude:

Based on these effects, the Earth is generally divided into major climate zones:

* Tropical Zone (0° - 23.5° N/S): Hot and humid, with high precipitation.

* **Subtropical Zone (23.5° - 40° N/S): Hot summers, mild winters, often dry with deserts.

* Temperate Zone (40° - 60° N/S): Distinct seasons, moderate temperatures, variable precipitation.

* Cold/Polar Zone (60° - 90° N/S): Very cold temperatures, long periods of darkness/daylight, low precipitation.

It's important to remember that while latitude is the most significant factor, other elements like altitude, proximity to large bodies of water (ocean currents), mountain ranges, and prevailing winds also modify a region's climate. However, the fundamental framework of glob

al climate patterns is set by latitude.

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Elevation above sea level affecting temperature 🌡️ and precipitation.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE FACTORS:

1: weather patterns

2: ecosystem

3: human activities

UNDERSTAND CLIMATE FACTORS:

1: climate modeling

2: climate research

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1. Create a post about one climate factor that affects a region

2. In your post:

Name the climate factor in the subject

Explain how this factor influences climate in the body

Add an image that helps illustrate the factor

3. After posting, read through your classmates’ posts

4. Comment on 2-3 different posts explaining how your climate factor interacts with theirs

Example interaction: If you posted about ocean currents, you might comment on a post about wind patterns to explain how ocean currents affect wind direction.