What are the factors that affect climate?

- latitude, elevation, nearby water, ocean currents, topography, vegetation, and

prevailing winds
How does each factor affect climate?
 Latitude - Surface temperatures vary with latitude.
 Elevation - Climate zones coincide roughly with elevation ranges.
 Nearby water - Sea surface temperatures affect land temperatures.
 Ocean currents - Water temperatures indicate transfer of heat energy by currents.
 Topography - Local variations in elevation can cause local variations in climate.
 Vegetation - Type of ground cover and seasonal changes affect climate.
 Prevailing winds - Winds deliver air masses with specific properties.
What is climate change?
- Climate change refers to a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet's weather patterns
and average temperatures.
What are the negative effects of climate change?
- Change Will Continue Through This Century and Beyond
- Temperatures Will Continue to Rise
- Frost-free Season (and Growing Season) will Lengthen
- Changes in Precipitation Patterns
- More Droughts and Heat Waves
- Hurricanes Will Become Stronger and More Intense
- Sea Level Will Rise 1-4 feet by 2100
- Arctic Likely to Become Ice-Free
How can we lessen the effects of global warming?
- Speak up!
- Power your home with renewable energy.
- Weatherize, weatherize, weatherize.
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
- Reduce water waste.
- Actually eat the food you buy—and make less of it meat.
- Buy better bulbs.
- Pull the plug(s).
- Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle.
- Shrink your carbon profile.

References: www.classzone.com www.worldwildlife.org www.nrdc.org

www.metoffice.gov.uk climate.nasa.gov