1. LATITUDE
Places on or near the equator receive more sunlight and they are warmer than places on or near the poles. The further you go from the equator, the colder it gets.
2. DISTANCE FROM THE SEA
The sea heats up and cools down more slowly than the land.
In the summer, when the land is hot the sea is cooler so the temperature goes down a little
In the winter, when the land is cold, the sea is warmer so the temperature goes up a little.
Temperatures in coastal areas are more moderate than temperatures of inland areas.
3. ALTITUDE
Places with high altitudes are usually colder than places with low altitudes. They also have more precipitation.
4. RELIEF
Mountains can act as barriers, stopping the sea air from reaching inland areas.
When clouds pass mountains they have to go higher. This causes the water vapour to condense and so it rains but only on one side of the mountain.
Sometimes, when mountains stop rain from reaching the other side, the area can transform into a desert.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of factors that affect climate worksheet.