Changing climates
Why is our climate like this?
This section explores our climate system and the influences on it.
Key questions:
- What is the climate system?
- What are the main influences on climate?
What is the climate system?
The climate system is influenced by complex interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, land, ice, and biosphere.
What are the main influences on climate?
Key to this is the huge temperature gradient between the poles (-35 *C) and the equator (+ 30*C) The excess heat from the tropics is redistributed by oceans and atmosphere in currents and winds - the global circulation system. This is the engine or powerhouse behind our weather and creates a dynamic or energetic climate which is susceptible to change.
The climate of a place is determined by
- latitude;
- location, relative to continents and oceans;
- situation in relation to large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns;
- altitude;
- local geographical features, such as topography or the nature of the built-up area.
Key Concepts:
Place
Scale
Physical Processes
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