Climate Regions

1. Climate Regions

2. Weather vs. Climate Weather Climate Climate is the term used by geographers to describe predictable patterns of weather over many YEARS. • Weather refers to the changes in temperature, wind direction and speed, and air moisture over a SHORT period of time.

3. Ocean Currents • Ocean Currents are the steadily flowing streams of water in the world’s seas. • Currents are like weather and they follow predictable patterns. • Ocean currents can affect the climate in different locations.

4. Pacific Ocean Currents El Nino La Nina Spanish for “the girl” Cool water current Causes low amounts of rainfall in the Eastern Pacific regions • Spanish for “the boy” • Causes heavy rains and severe storms in North America • A warmer water current

5. Rain Shadow Effect The mountain’s effect on rainfall Mountains block rain from reaching interior regions As warm moist air rises up mountain slopes, it cools and releases the moisture. As a result, the side of the mountain facing the wind, windward side, receives large amounts of rainfall. On the opposite side, leeward side, it is cool and dry. Often times deserts can develop on the leeward sides of mountains.

6. 5 Major Climate Zones • Tropical • Dry • Midlatitude • High Latitude • Highland

7. Urban Climates Large cities show significant climate differences from surrounding areas. Urban climates have higher temperatures than surrounding areas due paved streets and stone buildings that soak up the sun’s heat and then release it. The absorption can lead to 10 to 20 degree Fahrenheit higher temperatures. Some scientists believe cities get more rain than rural areas.