Guided Notes 1/10 (Factors that Affect Climate). Interactive ... - Free Printable

- Latitude:
- Temperature: Generally decreases from the equator (0°) towards the poles (90°). The equator receives more direct sunlight, leading to higher temperatures, while the poles receive less direct sunlight, resulting in lower temperatures.
- Precipitation: Highest near the equator due to intense solar heating causing air to rise and cool, forming clouds and rain. Precipitation is also high in mid-latitudes (around 60°) due to storm systems, but low in subtropical zones (around 30°) where air sinks and dries out.

- Can two places at the same latitude have a different climate?
- Yes. Climate is influenced by many factors besides latitude, such as altitude, proximity to oceans or large water bodies, ocean currents, prevailing winds, and topography (e.g., mountains). For example, a coastal city and an inland city at the same latitude can have very different climates due to the moderating effect of the ocean.

- Windward vs. Leeward of Mountain Ranges:
- Windward:
- Temperature: Cooler than leeward side because moist air rises, expands, and cools as it climbs the mountain.
- Precipitation: Higher precipitation. As moist air rises on the windward side, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and rain or snow.
- Leeward:
- Temperature: Warmer than windward side because dry air descends, compresses, and warms on the leeward side.
- Precipitation: Lower precipitation (rain shadow effect). Most moisture has already been lost on the windward side, so the leeward side is typically much drier.

- What conclusions can we draw about the heating/cooling of land and water on Earth?
- Land heats up and cools down faster than water. Water has a higher heat capacity, meaning it absorbs and releases heat more slowly. This leads to more moderate temperatures in coastal areas compared to inland areas. Oceans act as thermal buffers, storing heat in summer and releasing it in winter, which helps regulate global climate patterns.