Latitude and altitude are interesting things that affect our climate and weather. Let’s break it down in simple terms:
Distance from the Equator: Latitude is all about how far you are from the equator, which is at 0°. Places close to the equator are usually warmer because they get direct sunlight. On the other hand, places farther away, like the poles, get sunlight that comes in at an angle, making them cooler.
Climate Zones: Because of latitude, we have different climate zones. These include tropical, temperate, and polar zones. Each one has its own unique weather, like how much it rains and the types of temperatures people experience.
Height Above Sea Level: Altitude is about how high you are above sea level. When you go up a mountain, it gets colder! Usually, for every 1,000 meters you go up, the temperature drops by about 6.5°C.
Impact on Weather: Being at higher altitudes can change the weather too. Mountains can block moisture in the air, causing rain on one side and creating dry conditions (called rain shadows) on the other side.
To sum it up, both latitude and altitude are important for figuring out the climate and weather we see. Understanding these factors helps us appreciate the different climates all around the world!
Latitude and altitude are interesting things that affect our climate and weather. Let’s break it down in simple terms:
Distance from the Equator: Latitude is all about how far you are from the equator, which is at 0°. Places close to the equator are usually warmer because they get direct sunlight. On the other hand, places farther away, like the poles, get sunlight that comes in at an angle, making them cooler.
Climate Zones: Because of latitude, we have different climate zones. These include tropical, temperate, and polar zones. Each one has its own unique weather, like how much it rains and the types of temperatures people experience.
Height Above Sea Level: Altitude is about how high you are above sea level. When you go up a mountain, it gets colder! Usually, for every 1,000 meters you go up, the temperature drops by about 6.5°C.
Impact on Weather: Being at higher altitudes can change the weather too. Mountains can block moisture in the air, causing rain on one side and creating dry conditions (called rain shadows) on the other side.
To sum it up, both latitude and altitude are important for figuring out the climate and weather we see. Understanding these factors helps us appreciate the different climates all around the world!