Defining Climate
Earth Science Sarah Cordle
Annual Averages and Variations
Climatology is the study of Earth's climate and the factors that cause past, present, and future climatic changes.
Climate describes the long-term weather patterns of an area.
Normals
Normals are measured monthly or annual for at least 30 years to determine the standard for a location.
Normal are not meant to determine the usual weather, just the average for the location.
Causes of Climate
Latitude
tropics- 23.5 S and 23.5 N of the equator.
Temperate Zones- lie between 23.5 and 23.5 north and south of the equator.
Polar zones- 66.5 north and south of the equator
Topographic Effect
Therefore large bodies of water affect the climates of coastal areas.
Air rises up one side of the mountain as a result of orographic lifting.
Air Masses
The property of air masses depend on whether or not they formed over water or land.