FACTORS THAT AFFECT CLIMATE by Ailyn Banate

Solar Radiation

ailynsantingbanate — 2025-05-20 13:42:11 UTC

The sun's energy is the primary driver of Earth's climate. The amount of solar radiation reaching different parts of Earth varies due to our planet's tilted axis and orbital patterns. This affects our seasons and temperature patterns.

Did you know? The Philippines receives abundant solar radiation throughout the year, which is why we have a tropical climate!

Earth's Orbit and Tilt

ailynsantingbanate — 2025-05-20 13:42:12 UTC

Our planet's elliptical orbit around the sun and its 23.5-degree tilt are responsible for our seasonal changes. Although we don't experience four seasons here in the Philippines, these factors still affect our wet and dry seasons!

Latitude

ailynsantingbanate — 2025-05-20 13:42:12 UTC

The Philippines is located near the equator (between 4°N and 21°N), which explains our warm temperatures! Places closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight throughout the year compared to regions near the poles.

Ocean Currents

ailynsantingbanate — 2025-05-20 13:42:12 UTC

As an archipelagic country, we're greatly influenced by ocean currents! These massive flows of water help distribute heat around the planet. The warm currents near our islands contribute to our humid climate and occasional typhoons.

Elevation and Relief

ailynsantingbanate — 2025-05-20 13:42:12 UTC

Do you remember? Temperature decreases as altitude increases! That's why Baguio City, at 1,540 meters above sea level, is much cooler than Manila at sea level. For every 1,000m increase in elevation, temperature typically drops by 6.5°C.

Wind Patterns

ailynsantingbanate — 2025-05-20 13:42:13 UTC

The prevailing winds affect our climate significantly! Here in the Philippines, we experience the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) and Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), which bring different weather patterns throughout the year.

Humidity and Precipitation

ailynsantingbanate — 2025-05-20 13:42:13 UTC

Living in a tropical country, we're very familiar with high humidity! The amount of water vapor in the air affects how we feel temperature and influences rainfall patterns. Our location between the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea contributes to our high humidity levels.

Greenhouse Gases

ailynsantingbanate — 2025-05-20 13:42:17 UTC

Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap heat in our atmosphere. While this is natural, human activities are increasing these gases, leading to climate change. Let's do our part in reducing our carbon footprint!