Why Do Climates Vary?

1. Why Do Climates Vary?

2. Latitude • This means how far north or south a place is from the equator. • The sun’s rays are concentrated at the equator but spread out at the poles.

3. Altitude • This is the distance above sea-level. The higher the place is, the colder it will be because heat from the sun is reflected by the Earth’s surface. • This reflected heat warms the lower layer of the atmosphere, so the higher up you go, the colder it will be.

4. Distance from the Sea • In the summer, the sun heats the land quickly but it takes longer to heat up the water which is large and deep. • However, the water stores heat for longer and so in winter, the temperature of the sea is warmer relative to the land and so keeps coastal places warmer.

5. Ocean Currents • In winter, a warm ocean current called the North Atlantic Drift raises the temperatures in the west. • You can grow palm trees in Devon!

7. Prevailing Winds • These are the winds that blow most often. • Winds can affect temperature and precipitation. • Winds blowing over tropical oceans bring warm and wet weather. • Winds blowing from the poles and over land bring cold and dry weather.