World Climates

Key Questions

• What factors control where different climates are found?

  Answer:

  Primarily, temperature, then elevation. All other factors really derive from those two.

  Explanation:

  “Climate” is the prevalent condition(s) of temperature and moisture in different regions of the world. Those two factors determine what kinds of plant and animal life will flourish.

  Both of those are the result of direct insolation (sun’s heat) and planetary elevation (altitude). Elevation can also affect the temperature and the moisture content of the atmosphere and ground.

  See also this reply: https://socratic.org/questions/what-are-the-characteristics-that-differentiates-climate-zones-on-earth

  SCooke · 1 · Mar 1 2017

• Which climate types see very little fluctuation in weather throughout the year?
• Where else in the world can a Mediterranean climate be found?
• What factors control where different climates are found?
• What are the different climate zones on earth?
• What are the characteristics that differentiates climate zones on earth?
• What causes different climates in different parts of the world?
• What are the characteristics of tropical climates?
• Where else in the world has the same climate as San Diego, California?
• How does climate relate to global warming?
• How do scientists study the past climate of the Earth?
• How can climate affect ecosystems?
• Where is the Sahel located?
• Which European countries are mostly covered in ice?
• Which part or Australia typically receives the most moisture?
• What area in Europe has a Mediterranean climate?
• What are the Earth's 4 subsystems and their definition?
• What factors are used to classify climate in the Köppen climate classification system?
• Question #91bbc
• Why are temperature and precipitation the most important elements in describing a climate?