Climate

Question 1

Weather vs Climate?

Answer 1

weather->over a short period of time

climate->over a long period of time

Question 2

What is the most important factor that determines climate

Answer 2

heat budget

Question 3

2 ways ocean affects climate?

Answer 3

1. Ocean currents

2. Nearness to ocean

Question 4

how is the temperature of a region affected by latitude altitude and distance from ocean?

Answer 4

latitude: higher the latitude colder the temperature
altitude: higher the altitude decrease in temperature
distance from ocean: closer to ocean more moderate temp

Question 5

what is a rain shadow and how does it form?

Answer 5

a rain shadow is a sheltered area on a mountain that does not receive prevailing winds that bring clouds and rain. (leeward side)

Question 6

windward side vs leeward side

Answer 6

windward: traps moisture
leeward: dry, side away from mountain

Question 7

2 influences on precipitation:

Answer 7

prevailing winds

topography

Question 8

main causes for climate?

Answer 8

elevation: as elevation increases, temp decreases
ocean currents: warm east coast cool west coast
topography: windward sides of mtns are cooled and receive more precipitation, leward sides are warmed
nearness to large bodies of water: near to water, more moderate temperatures, higher precipitation especially on leeward side of water

Question 9

key factors that effect climate in golden?

Answer 9

elevation

topography

Question 10

Possible causes of climate change?

Answer 10

plate tectonics
-changes in the positions of the continents may affect wind patterns, ocean currents, solar energy

volcanoes
-dust and ash reflect solar radiation and provide condensation nuclei

human activity

Question 11

milankovitch cycles:

Answer 11

climate change is related to changes in earths motions

Question 12

prevailing wind direction:

Answer 12

determines windward and leeward sides of mountain ranges and oceans

Question 13

polar cell:
Ferrell cell:
Hadley cell:

Answer 13

p: between top and 60 degrees N and S
f: 60 degrees N/S and 30 degrees N/S
h: 30 degrees N/S and equator

Question 14

Coriolis effect

Answer 14

•earth is spinning
•the air and water are not directly attached
•an object is pushed but deflected
-to the right in northern hemispheres
-to the left in Southern Hemisphere

Question 15

major currents in the northern Hemisphere rotate:

major currents in the Southern Hemisphere rotate:

Answer 15

clockwise

counterclockwise

Question 16

currents coming from equator make:

Answer 16

temps along coast warmer

Question 17

currents coming from poles make:

Answer 17

temps colder along coast

Question 18

obliquity:

Answer 18

the tilt of earths axis varies between 22.5 and 24.5 (takes 41,000 yrs)

Question 19

precession:

Answer 19

earths wobble on its axis and completes a full rotation (23,000 yrs)

Question 20

factors that effect climate?

Answer 20

temperature

• latitude(distance from equator)
• altitude(same latitude higher elevation)
• average pressure decreases as altitude increases

percipitation

• prevailing winds (direction most often blowing)
• winds from water bring moisture
• winds from land being dry air
• topography (mountains)