4.8 Earth’s Geography and Climate

climate

Overall weather in an area over a long period of time

weather

The condition of Earth's atmosphere at a particular time and place.

microclimates

environmental conditions within a small area that differs significantly from the climate of the surrounding area

mountains

landforms with high relief and high elevation

Ocean Temperature

this factor is affected by the amount of solar energy an area receives and by the movement of water

rain shadow

a region with dry conditions found on the leeward side of a mountain range as a result of humid winds from the ocean causing precipitation on the windward side

elevation

The height of land above sea level

precipitation

water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth as rain, sleet , or snow

Gyres

A large-scale pattern of water circulation that moves clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere