SCIENCE: SUM UP UNIT 5.1

 

1.       1. CLIMATE

What is the climate? The climate is the weather in a specific area, over a long period of time and depends on the temperature and precipitation.

 

a)       Factors that affect climate

-          Distance from the Equator: The Sun´s rays hit the area near to the Equator directly and makes it hotter there. As we move north or south, temperatures decrease. This give us three climatic zones:

o   A hot zone.

o   Two temperate zones.

o   Two cold zones. 

-          Altitude and proximity to the sea: coastal areas have milder temperatures than inland areas.

 b)      The climates on Earth

Hot climates:

-          Equatorial climate: very hot and rains a lot.

-          Tropical climate: rains during one season.

-          Desert climate: little precipitation.

Temperate climates:

                                 -          Mediterranean climate: little rain and high temperatures in summer.

                                -          Oceanic climate: abundant rain and mild temperatures.

                                -          Continental climate: cold winters and warm and rainy summers.

                                                        Cold climates:

                                -          Polar climate: precipitation is mainly snow.

                                -          Mountain climate: frequent precipitation.