1. CHAPTER 3 SECTION 2 Climate

2. I.Factors Affecting ClimateA.Wind Currents 1.Wind, ocean currents help distribute suns heat worldwide.2.Convectionupward motion of air that transfers heat in atmosphere.3.Coriolis effect is the bending of winds due to Earths rotation 3. B.Ocean Currents1.Resembles rivers flowing in the ocean.2.Warm water flows away from equator toward poles.3.Cold, polar water flows back toward equator. 4. C.Zones of Latitude1.Low, or tropical latitude. a.2.Middle, or temperate latitude. a.3.hot all year round. warm summers and cold winters.High, or polar latitude. a.cold all year round. 5. D. Elevation 1. Elevation is the distance above sea level. 2. As elevation increases, climate gets colder (3.5*F for every 1,000 ft). E. Topography1. Topography: landforms and their distribution in an area. 2. Landforms, especially mountains, affect climate. 6. II.Changes in ClimateA.El Nio 1.El Niowinds push warm Pacific Ocean waters toward the Americas.2.La Niawinds push warm waters toward Australia and Asia.3.Both cause natural, worldwide changes in climate. 7. B. Global Warming 1. Gradual warming of the earths atmosphere. 2. Greenhouse effectthe earth warms due to trapped solar energy.