Climate is determined by averaging weather over a long period of time, at least 30 years. Several factors affect a region's climate, including latitude, topography, oceans and lakes, and ocean currents. Latitude affects climate the most - regions close to the equator receive the most solar radiation and have tropical climates, while polar zones receive energy at a low angle and have polar climates. Between the tropics and polar zones are temperate zones with more moderate climates. Topography like large bodies of water and mountains also influence climate by changing temperature, moisture, and wind patterns in coastal and mountainous regions. Large cities can create "heat islands" and change local wind and precipitation patterns compared to surrounding areas.

1. Climate

2. What Affects Climate? Science words : Tropics Polar zones Temperate zone

3. Climate Climate Determined by averaging weather over a long period of time- at least 30 years Temperatures on Earth Range from -89.2 degrees C to 57.8 degrees C Factors that affect a regions climate: Latitude Topography Oceans and lakes Ocean currents Air mass

4. Latitude Affects Climate Latitude close to equator receives most radiation Tropics: Region between latitudes 231/2 degrees north and 231/2 degrees south Polar zones: Solar energy hits at low angle Polar ice reflects radiation Never really warm Temperate zones: Between tropic and polar zones Moderate

5. Topography Features Affect Climate Large Bodies of Water Coastal regions: Warmer in winter, cooler in summer Ocean currents Moisture Winds blowing from sea Contain more moisture then land Coast have wetter climate Prevailing winds blow to coast Mountains Same latitude: Mountain’s climate cooler then sea level Less air molecules to absorb radiation One side of mountain is cooler then other Other side can contain a desert Mountains and large bodies of water affect climate Large cities -change weather patterns

6. Large Cities Affect Climate Radiation strikes Areas of vegetation Radiation energy evaporated City areas Streets, parking lots, and buildings absorb radiation energy Heat up and radiate heat into atmosphere Car exhaust traps heat “ heat island” Large buildings Change local winds and precipitation patterns

7. Climate Types Science Words: Adaptation Hibernation

8. Climate Classification Koppen Climate Types Climates in six groups Tropical mild dry continental polar High elevation Climatologists- study climates use method to classify climate types 1918 – Wladimir Koppen- observed types of vegetation – region depends on climate of area