Climate: Elevation and Latitude

Front

What is climate?

Back

Climate refers to the long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation in a particular area.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are the two main factors that determine the climate of an area?

Back

Temperature and precipitation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is latitude?

Back

Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees.

Front

How does latitude affect climate?

Back

As latitude increases (moving away from the equator), temperatures generally decrease, leading to cooler climates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is elevation?

Back

Elevation is the height of a location above sea level.

Front

How does elevation affect climate?

Back

Higher elevations typically have cooler temperatures and can receive more precipitation.

Front

What are the three major climate zones in order from the equator to the poles?

Back

Tropical, temperate, polar.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

Which climate zone has the warmest temperatures?

Back

Tropical climate zone.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

Which climate zone has the coldest temperatures?

Back

Polar climate zone.

Front

What is a temperate climate?

Back

A temperate climate has moderate temperatures and distinct seasons.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6