WEATHER AND CLIMATE - OVERVIEW

WEATHER vs. CLIMATE

• Weather: short-term atmospheric conditions (specific time).

• Climate: long-term average of weather over time (usually 30 years).

• Both involve precipitation, temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed.

FACTORS INFLUENCING CLIMATE

Latitude

• Definition: Measure of distance from the equator (0° to 90° N/S).

• Impacts climate by concentrating solar energy and controlling ocean currents.

• Different regions affected: Low, Mid, High latitudes.

Ocean Currents

• Definition: Large flows of water influencing temperature.

• Warm currents (e.g., Gulf Stream) warm coasts, cold currents (e.g., Labrador Current) cool areas.

• Function as global regulators of temperature.

Wind and Air Masses

• Definition: Air movement caused by uneven heating.

• Air masses: large volumes of air consistent in temperature and moisture.

• Influence climate by transporting heat and moisture, affecting long-term weather patterns.

Elevation

• Definition: Vertical distance from sea level.

• Higher elevation leads to colder, drier conditions due to thinner, expanding air.

• Orographic effect and rain shadow impact precipitation.

Relief

• Definition: Terrain changes affecting precipitation patterns.

• Warmer air rising over mountains cools and condenses, leading to precipitation on windward side, while leeward side experiences rain shadow.

Near Water

• Definition: Proximity to large bodies of water.

• Maritime climate: moderate temperature range, higher humidity.

• Continental climate: greater temperature range due to distance from water.

• Water absorbs heat slowly; influences regional weather patterns.