Climate affecting Factors Flashcards
(23 cards)
What are the three main factors that influence climate?
- Latitude
- Distance from sea/ocean
- Prevailing winds and air masses
Define latitude in the context of climate.
Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator.
How does latitude affect temperature?
Generally, the further north or south of the equator an area is, the colder it will be.
What is the temperature range of Maritime Climate?
- Mild winters: Average winter temperatures range from 0°C to 8°C
- Cool summers: Summer temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C
- Small temperature variation: Less than 20°C difference between warmest and coldest months
What are the characteristics of Continental Climate?
- Hot summers
- Cold winters
- Larger temperature range than coastal areas
What is the impact of proximity to the ocean on temperature?
Areas close to the sea tend to have a small temperature range due to the water’s heat absorption and release.
True or False: Inland areas far from the sea have a smaller temperature range than coastal areas.
False
What are prevailing winds?
Winds that can make an area colder, warmer, wetter, or drier depending on their direction and whether they pass over land or water.
What is aspect in relation to climate?
Aspect refers to the direction in which a slope is facing.
How does altitude influence climate?
Generally, the higher you go, the colder it is, with a temperature drop of 7°C for each 1000m increase in height.
What is the Wind Chill Factor?
It refers to the cooling effect of wind, making upland areas colder.
Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located?
North-eastern Tanzania, close to the border with Kenya.
What does the term ‘Continental Climate’ refer to?
Climate found far from the sea, characterized by larger temperature ranges.
List the three groups of world climates.
- Hot Climates
- Temperate Climates
- Cold Climates
What is the temperature range in a Boreal Climate?
- Summers: 10-15°C
- Winters: -25°C
Fill in the blank: Most hot climates are found within latitudes ______.
[30°N and 30°S]
What are the characteristics of a Savanna Climate?
- Hot all year (25-35°C)
- Two seasons: Wet summers, dry winters
- Scattered trees/grassland
What adaptations do desert plants like the cactus have?
- Thick bark to prevent moisture loss
- Ability to store water
- Spread out roots to reach water
What adaptations do camels have for survival in the desert?
- Long eyelashes to protect eyes
- Thick skin on legs for kneeling in hot sand
- Wide hooves for walking in sand
- Ability to store fat in humps
What is the typical precipitation in a Tundra Climate?
Less than 250mm/year, primarily as snow.
What is the average rainfall in a Warm Temperate Oceanic Climate?
400 – 700mm of rain.
List the characteristics of a Cool Temperate Oceanic Climate.
- Warm summers (15-17°C)
- Mild winters (4-6°C)
- Rain throughout the year
What is the average temperature range for a Boreal Climate?
Temperature can range from -25°C in winter to 10-15°C in summer.
