Climatic Controls

6 factors that affect climate

The climate of a place is determined by the interplay of various factors such as location, altitude, distance from the sea, pressure and winds and upper air circulation.

• Due to the curvature of the earth, the amount of solar energy received varies according to latitude. As a result; air temperature decreases from the equator towards the poles.

•  As one goes from the surface of the earth to higher altitudes, the atmosphere becomes less dense and temperature decreases. The hills are therefore cooler during summers.

•  The pressure and wind system of any area depend on the latitude and altitude of the place. Thus it influences the temperature and rainfall pattern.

• The sea exerts a moderating influence on climate: As the distance form the sea increases, its moderating influence decreases and the people experience extreme weather conditions. This condition is known as continentally.

• Ocean currents along with onshore winds affect the climate of the coastal areas.

•  Relief too plays a major role in determining the climate of a place. High mountains act asbarriers for cold or hot winds; they may also cause precipitation if they are high enough andlie in the path of rain ­bearing winds. The leeward side of mountains remains dry.