Bay Area Earth Science Institute (BAESI).ppt

Bay Area Earth Science Institute (BAESI) Climate San Jose State University, January 24, 2004 /baesi/ What is climate? Climate is Examples of weather vs climate: What is climate? Climate is Examples of weather vs climate: Controls on Climate Climate controls: Latitude/Mountains Climate controls: Latitude/Mountains Controls on Climate: Oceans Controls on Climate: Oceans Controls on Climate: Pressure systems Controls on Climate: Pressure systems * Weather and Climate Climate is: the average of day to day weather over a long duration Climate is: the average of day to day weather over a long duration Today the temperature is 68F (weather). Los Angeles has warm summers (climate). Annual Surface Temperature January Average sea-level Pressure and surface wind pattern July Average sea-level Pressure and surface wind pattern Seasonal temperature and precipitation patters are generally attributable to: Latitude Mountains and highlands Pressure and wind systems Land and water location Ocean currents Prevailing wind direction Latitude Mountains Higher latitude climates are generally _______ Lower latitudes ___________________ Higher altitudes: _________________ Windward side of mountains, ______________ than leeward side Latitude Mountains Higher latitude climates are generally colder Lower latitudes warmer and more moist Higher altitudes: cooler temperatures Windward side of mountains, cooler and wetter than leeward side Ocean Temperatures Coasts of continents are affected by ocean temperatures: Generally less temperature extremes compared to interior of continents Cold oceans: Warm oceans: Ocean Temperatures Coasts of continents are affected by ocean temperatures: Generally less temperature extremes compared to interior of continents Cold oceans: Warm oceans: generally produce cooler/drier conditions generally produce more warm/humid conditions