Question

Describe any four factors affecting the climate with examples.​

Answer 1

Ocean currents

Ocean currents can increase or reduce temperatures. The diagram below shows the ocean currents of the world (view original source map). The main ocean current that affects the UK is the Gulf Stream.

Direction of prevailing winds

Winds that blow from the sea often bring rain to the coast and dry weather to inland areas. 

The Shape of Land

Climate can be affected by mountains. Mountains receive more rainfall than low lying areas because as air is forced over the higher ground it cools, causing moist air to condense and fall out as rainfall.

Distance from the equator

The distance from the equator affects the climate of a place. At the poles, energy from the sun reaches the Earth's surface at lower angles and passes through a thicker layer of atmosphere than at the equator.