2 Controls of Climate Free Online FlashCards

What does climate describe?

Climate is the long-term pattern of conditions such as temperature and precipitation in a region.

How does latitude affect temperature and seasonal contrasts?

Near the equator, sunlight is more direct year-round; at higher latitudes it arrives at a lower angle, and day length varies more by season. Higher latitudes are generally colder and have larger seasonal temperature contrasts.

Why does temperature generally decrease with elevation?

As air rises into lower pressure, it expands and cools, so temperature generally decreases with increasing elevation.

How can mountains increase precipitation?

Moist air forced upward over mountains cools, which can cause water vapor to condense and fall as rain or snow.

How does nearby water moderate coastal temperatures?

Water heats and cools more slowly than land, so oceans and large lakes moderate nearby temperatures. Coastal places often have cooler summers and warmer winters than inland places.

How do warm and cold ocean currents affect nearby coasts?

Ocean currents transport heat: warm currents can raise temperatures along nearby coasts, while cold currents can cool them.

How do rising and descending air shape wet and dry climate belts?

Warm air tends to rise, cool, and release moisture; descending air tends to warm and become drier. These zones help organize broad wet and dry climate belts.

Why can an equatorial highland be cooler than a nearby lowland?

A high-elevation place near the equator can be cooler than a lowland at the same latitude because temperature generally decreases as elevation increases.

Why is frequent rain common near the equator?

Warm, moist air often rises near the equator, supporting frequent rain.

What broad air pattern favors arid subtropical climates?

Air commonly descends and dries in subtropical belts, favoring arid climates.

Why do inland places tend to have a wider annual temperature range?

Inland locations tend to have a wider annual temperature range because land heats and cools more quickly than water.

How can cold-water upwelling influence coastal climate?

Cold-water upwelling can cool nearby air and often contributes to dry conditions along some coasts.