Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
no climate “just happens.” While all are products, directly or indirectly, of the same sun, factors are
afoot that give each of them characteristics that really do make all the difference in the world.
The factors that determine climate in different parts of the world are of central interest to geography
and are the subjects of this chapter. The characteristics, locations, and consequences of climate oc-
cupy the next chapter.
Getting a Grip on Climate
Like climate, weather is concerned with atmospheric conditions. The difference between the
two is a matter of time. Weather refers to day-to-day conditions and changes in Earth's atmo-
sphere. Climate refers to the average of weather conditions at a location over a long period of
time — 30 years, as far U.S. government climatologists are concerned. Climate, therefore, is
the more appropriate topic for this topic because it concerns general characteristics of a loca-
tion or region. Accordingly, among the things you will not read about here are tornadoes, hur-
ricanes, thunder, lightning, hail, and other forms of short-term atmospheric mayhem that fall
within the purview of weather. (For more information on weather, see Weather For Dummies
[Hungry Minds, Inc.].)
So what factors cause the different kinds of climates to occur? (Drum roll, please.) Six de-
terminants, which may act singly, in combination, or in opposition to each other, make climate
occur:
The angle at which solar energy strikes the Earth
Tilt of the Earth on its axis
Altitude with respect to sea level
Solar absorption properties of land and water
Ocean currents
High and low atmospheric pressure belts
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