Weather : The prevailing atmospheric conditions—temperature, pressure, humidity, wind velocity and so on defines the weather. The study of weather is called meteorology carried out by meteorologists.
Climate : Climate is the average weather conditions of a region over a long period or the climate is the long term or integrated manifestation of weather.
Climate Controling Factors
Climate of a particular region is controlled by—
(a) Lattitude
(b) Height from the sea level.
(c) Land and sea contrast.
(d) Wind velocity and direction.
(e) Direction of mountain ranges.
(f) Ocean currents.
(g) Vegetation.
(h) Temperature and rainfall.
Description of Climatic Elements
(a) Lattitude : The temperature of a place depends on the lattitude at which place is located.
(b) Height from the sea level : As the height from the sea level increases the density of air decreases. Thus the amount of heat absorbed with the decrease of height. The rate of change of temperature is 1OC for every 165 m height. So the increase in height above sea level makes the tempterature decrease.
(c) Land and sea contrast : The heating of the earth’s surface affects the heating of the air.
Near the sea, places are cool in summer and warm in winter. Interior continental parts are hot in summer and cold in winter.
(d) Wind velocity and direction : Winds from sea bring plenty of rain. Warm winds bring more rain. Off shore winds do not bring any rain. Wind direction also affects climate.
(e) Direction of mountain ranges : Mountains act as barriers to the motion of the wind and hence affect rainfall and temperature. Direction of mountain ranges can protect the area from cold winds.
6. Ocean currents : Ocean currents send heat from lower lattitudes to higher lattitudes. The ocean currents affect the temperature of the coastal areas.
7. Vegetation : More vegetation makes less temperature. It increases the rainfall in the area.
8. Temperature and rainfall : These are the two important elements for climate. The amount of rainfall increases with height towards the wind side. As the wind moves down the rainfall decreases. Continents margins get more rainfall than their interiors.
Effects of Climate
(i) Human evolution is due to the climate changes in the past.
(ii) Clothes used by the people depend upon the climate.
(iii) The houses used by the people depend upon the climate.
(iv) Cultivation of crops depends upon the climate.
(v) Traditional living and life style of people is related to climate.
Shopping Cart