Climate Factors: Latitude and Elevation

Front

What is latitude?

Back

Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees. It affects climate by determining how much sunlight an area receives.

Front

What is elevation?

Back

Elevation is the height above sea level. Higher elevations generally have cooler temperatures compared to lower elevations.

Front

How does latitude affect climate?

Back

Latitude affects climate by influencing the amount of sunlight received; areas closer to the equator are warmer, while areas near the poles are colder.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects, like winds, caused by the rotation of the Earth. It makes winds curve instead of moving in a straight line.

Front

What climate zone is found at high latitudes?

Back

The polar climate zone is found at high latitudes, characterized by cold temperatures and ice.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.

Front

What happens to temperature as elevation increases?

Back

As elevation increases, temperature generally decreases, leading to cooler conditions at higher altitudes.

Front

Which location would likely have a warmer climate: one at sea level or one at a high elevation?

Back

A location at sea level would likely have a warmer climate compared to one at a high elevation.

Front

What is the equator?

Back

The equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, located at 0 degrees latitude.

Front

How do seasons change?

Back

Seasons change due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the sun, affecting the angle and intensity of sunlight received.