Climate Factors

Front

What is the main factor that affects the climate of an area?

Back

Latitude, elevation, and proximity to water are key factors that affect the climate of an area.

Front

What is latitude?

Back

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

Front

How does latitude influence temperature?

Back

The higher the latitude, the lower the temperature due to the angle of sunlight.

Front

What is elevation (altitude)?

Back

Elevation is the height of a location above sea level.

Front

How does elevation affect climate?

Back

As elevation increases, temperature generally decreases, leading to cooler climates.

Front

What is the windward side of a mountain?

Back

The windward side is the side facing the wind, where precipitation is typically higher.

Front

What is the leeward side of a mountain?

Back

The leeward side is the side sheltered from the wind, often experiencing drier conditions.

Front

What role does proximity to water play in climate?

Back

Areas near large bodies of water tend to have milder climates due to the water's ability to store heat.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth's surface due to trapped heat from greenhouse gases.

Front

What are greenhouse gases?

Back

Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.