Why Do Different Places Have Different Climates

What is the primary direction of prevailing winds in the United States?

• North to South

• East to West

• West to East

• South to North

How do ocean currents affect climate?

• They create storms over land.

• They carry warm water toward the poles and cool water toward the equator.

• They prevent air masses from forming.

• They increase the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth.

Why do cities near warm ocean currents receive heavy rainfall?

• Warm ocean currents create strong winds.

• Warm ocean currents increase evaporation, making air masses humid.

• Warm ocean currents block cold air masses.

• Warm ocean currents reduce the amount of sunlight.

What happens to air masses as they rise over mountains?

• They become warmer and drier.

• They cool off and release precipitation.

• They move faster and create storms.

• They lose all their water vapor.

What is the effect of latitude on climate?

• It determines the amount of sunlight an area receives.

• It controls the direction of prevailing winds.

• It affects the elevation of a region.

• It decides the type of ocean currents nearby.

Why is the leeward side of a mountain dry?

• Air masses lose moisture as they descend and warm up.

• Air masses gain moisture from the ocean.

• Air masses are blocked by the mountain.

• Air masses become cooler and hold more water vapor.

What is the rain shadow effect?

• The process of air masses gaining moisture over warm oceans.

• The dry conditions on the leeward side of a mountain.

• The formation of storms due to colliding air masses.

• The cooling of air masses as they rise over mountains.

How does elevation affect climate?

• It changes the direction of prevailing winds.

• It determines if air rises and cools or stays lower and warmer.

• It affects the amount of sunlight an area receives.

• It controls the movement of ocean currents.

What happens to air masses crossing over warm ocean water?

• They lose all their water vapor.

• They become humid due to evaporation.

• They cool down and dry out.

• They move faster toward the poles.

What is climate?

• The average weather in a place over time.

• The daily weather conditions in a region.

• The movement of air masses across the Earth.

• The effect of ocean currents on precipitation.