Activity › Discussion › Environment › Weather and climate › Reply To: Weather and climate
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The temperature of a place is influenced by several factors:
Latitude: Areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight throughout the year than those near the poles, making them generally warmer.
Altitude: Higher elevations have cooler temperatures due to thinner air and lower pressure.
Ocean Currents: Warm and cold ocean currents can affect coastal climates. For example, warm currents can raise temperatures in nearby land areas.
Landforms: Mountains can block air movement, creating rain shadows where one side is wet and the other dry and hot.
Vegetation: Forests and other types of vegetation can impact local climates through evapotranspiration, which cools the air.
Proximity to Water: Areas near large bodies of water often have more moderate temperatures compared to inland areas because water heats and cools more slowly.
Season: The tilt of the Earth affects the intensity and duration of sunlight received in different regions throughout the year.
Urban Heat Islands: Cities can be hotter than surrounding rural areas due to human activities, buildings, and asphalt absorbing heat.
These factors combine in various ways to create the distinct climates found around the world.