Geography of California: Climate and Regions

Geography of California: Climate & Regions

Introduction

What is Climate?

• Climate is the pattern of weather of a certain place over many years.

• Every place has a pattern of weather over time.

• Much of California has a Mediterranean-like climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. 

What is Temperature?

• Temperature is how hot or cold the air is.

• The farther a place is from the equator, the colder its temperature will be.

• California is about one third of the way between the equator and the North Pole.

The Differences in Temperature in California

• Elevation (how high a place is above sea level) affects temperature.

• Mountains are higher in elevation, making them usually colder than places at lower elevations.

• The deserts, which are low in elevation, can get very hot.

• California's long coastline helps keep the coastal and central areas mild in temperature.

What is a Region?

• A region is an area with common features that set it apart from other areas.

• Features can include landforms (mountain ranges, valleys, etc.), climate, soil, and natural vegetation.

California Has Four Regions

• Coastal Region

• Mountain Region

• Desert Region

• Central Valley Region

How are the Areas of California Different?

Watch this short video to find out.

Time to see what you remember!

Multiple Choice

Climate is ____________.

• a pattern of weather over time.

• how high above sea level a place is.

• how hot or cold the air is.

Multiple Choice

The farther a place is from the equator, the _________ its temperature will be.

• warmer

• colder

• wetter

• dryer

Multiple Choice

True or False: California's long coastline helps to keep the coast and central areas mild in temperature.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

What is a region?

• An area of land owned by one person.

• An area with common features that set it apart from other areas.

• An area of land controlled by emperors and kings.

• An area that has different features that make it similar to areas in other countries.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are regions of California?

• Desert Region

• Coastal Region

• City Region

• Mountain Region

• Central Valley Region