Factors Affecting Climate

The Climate is different from one part of the world to another due to the effect of various factors, these factors are;

1. Latitude
2. Altitude
3. Slope or relief
4. Ocean currents
5. Cloud cover
6. Wind, etc.
7. Distance from the sea (continentality)

Latitude:

This refers to the location of a place on the Earth’s surface in relation to the equatorThe Equator is Zero degrees (0°) latitude. The Sun is directly overhead the equator at noon on the two equinoxes (March and Sept. 20 or 21). The equator divides the globe... More. Considering the shape of the earth and its inclination, the tropical areas of the world, particularly the areas very close to the equator, are closer to the sun than any other area. The distance the sun’s rays travel to meet the areas closer to the sun is shorter hence, the concentration of the solar energyEnergy is the ability to do work. Energy exists in several forms such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, and electrical energy. Units of Energy: The SI unit... More is very high in these areas.

Altitude:

This refers to the height of a place above the sea level. As one moves higher into the atmosphere, (say if one climbs a hill, plateau or mountain) the temperature decreases by 6.5 degrees Celsius for every 1000 m of ascent. This is known as the normal lapse rate. High altitudes like high mountains contain less dust and water vapour, because of this they are able to allow heat to escape easily and therefore remain cold.

Slope (Relief), Shelter and Aspect:

The topographyTopography can be defined as the study of the shape and features of land surfaces. The topography of an area refers to the surface shapes and features on the ground and... More or relief and aspect of a place have an effect on the amount of solar energy a place receives. A slope that faces the direction of the rays of the sun, receives more solar energy than an area that is not facing the sun. A steep slope experiences a more rapid change in temperature than a gentle slope. There is usually a dramatic change in temperature due to the environmental lapse rate of the areas concerned. The diagram below illustrates this concept.

Continentality or Distance From the Sea:

The further land is from the sea, the less the amount of rainfall. Lower temperature ranges exist in areas by or closer to the sea than areas that are more inland. Also, there is higher humidity and more cloud cover in areas closer to the sea than areas that are farther away.

Ocean Currents:

Landmass adjacent to seas and oceans are affected by both ocean currents and winds because heat is transported to the adjacent landmass.

Ocean currents lower the temperature of adjacent coastlands, e.g. the cold Benguella current flowing in the Western border of South Africa.

When cold ocean waters move towards warmer regions, it is called a cold ocean current. Cold currents contribute to the formation of fog along adjacent coastlands, e.g. warm Guinea and warm Mozambiquan currents. Cold currents also result in the formation of coastal deserts such as the Kalahari Deserts which was formed due to the cold Benguella current and the Sahara Desert which was formed due to the cold current of the canaries.

Planetary Winds and Pressure Belts:

Wind also affects the climate of the adjacent coastlands. Warm winds raise the temperature of adjacent coastlands, for example, the Westerlies bring warm air into Western Europe. Cold winds, on the other hand, lower the temperature of adjacent coastlands, for example, cold polar winds lower the temperature of the coasts of Newfoundland. Warm, moist winds from the ocean bring rainfall to the adjacent coastlands, for example, W. Monsoon in West Africa.

Cloud Cover:

A large number of clouds covering an area reduces the amount of solar radiation that is able to reach the Earth’s surface and the amount of solar radiation that is able to escape from the Earth’s surface and be released into the atmosphere (or space).

Natural Vegetation and Soil:

The large amount of thick leaves (or foliage) that exists in a dense forest cuts off much of the incoming solar radiation. As a result of this, the forest temperature is cool and lower than that of the open ground (soil). Soils that are lighter in colour reflect more heat than darker-coloured soils. Darker-coloured soils however are better absorbers of heat.