Earth's Climate Types Answers

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:Continental climates are located at middle and high latitudes, in the interiors regions of land areas. With less direct sunlight, they experience a wide array of temperatures throughout the seasons. These types of climates may experience winters with very cold temperatures and large amounts of snow. The summers are typically short and mild.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:The world’s oceans influence climate in two different ways: through water temperatures and through currents. Ocean water heats and cools more slowly than land temperatures. Thus, the ocean keeps coastal temperatures mild and consistent, with less of a temperature range than that of inland regions. Ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream, also affect climate. They move warm and cold water around the world’s oceans, from the tropics to the polar regions. Like ocean currents, wind currents help to move heat around the world. They pick up warm or cool air as they blow over the oceans and transfer it to other areas. Winds from hot areas, such as the tropics, are warm and increase the temperatures of other regions. Winds from cold areas, such as the poles, are cooler and decrease temperatures in the regions they move through.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information. Latitude is a major influence on climate because different locations on Earth receive varying degrees of sunlight. The low latitudes are located nearest to the Equator and receive the most direct and intense rays of sun. With so much sunlight to provide heat, these latitudes experience warm temperatures year-round. The middle latitudes receive varying degrees of sunlight depending on the time of year. With seasonal changes, they experience the most temperature extremes. The high latitudes are the farthest from the Equator. The Sun’s rays hit them at an angle, spreading heat out over a larger area. This causes these latitudes to have colder temperatures throughout the year.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information. Tropical and dry climates share similarities in terms of temperature and location. Both climate types experience warmer temperatures throughout the year. They may both be located in low latitude regions, although tropical climates are always at low latitudes and dry climates may be located at any latitude. The main difference between the two types is in terms of precipitation. Tropical climates are known to be very wet, receiving a large amount of precipitation each year. Dry climates, however, receive very little precipitation throughout the year.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:Highland climates are located high in mountain regions and can be found at all latitudes. The main factor in determining temperature in this type of climate is elevation, not latitude. A highland climate is as likely to be found close to a tropical climate as to a polar climate. Highland climates are found at high elevations and have cold climates year-round. This consistently cold weather comes from the altitude because as elevation increases, temperature decreases.