Climate

1. Climate

3. Climate • Climate is the long term weather trends experienced in a region • The two most important elements of climate are temperature and precipitation • Factors that affect climate • Latitude • Elevation • Topography • Water bodies • Atmospheric circulation • Vegetation

4. Koppen Climate Classification System • There are many different climates throughout the world. Climate classification systems are used to group the different climates into categories. • The Koppen system uses mean monthly and annual temperature and precipitation values to differentiate systems • There are five main groups: 1. humid tropical climates 2. dry climates 3. humid mid-latitude climates 4. polar climates 5. highland climates

5. Humid Tropical Climates

6. Humid Mid-Latitude Climates

7. Dry Climates

8. Polar Climates • The average temperature of polar climates is below 10°C even in the warmest months. • These areas experience extended periods of night and little precipitation • There is little vegetation within these regions • There are two types of polar climates • Tundra → Found only in the Northern Hemisphere 2. Ice Cap → Found in high mountain regions, Greenland, and Antarctica → Permanently covered with ice

9. Highland Climates • Highland climates are localized to specific regions • Highland climates may vary depending on location • Highland climates are cooler and wetter than nearby areas at lower elevations

10. Climate Changes • Earth’s climate has continually changed throughout Earth’s history. Climate can change through unnatural causes and natural causes. • Unnatural climate change has predominately occurred in the last century due to the burning of fossil fuels • There are four main ways, which climate can change naturally 1. Volcanic Eruptions 2. Ocean Circulation 3. Solar Activity 4. Earth Motions