Science Chapter 7 Lesson 4 Climate

The equator is the line of latitude that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It is located at zero degrees latitude and is the midpoint between the North Pole and the South Pole. The equator is known for its warm climate and is an important reference point for navigation and understanding global weather patterns.

Altitude refers to the measure of how high a place is above sea level. It is a vertical distance measurement that indicates the elevation of a location. Altitude is commonly used in aviation, mountaineering, and meteorology to determine the height of a place in relation to sea level.

Global winds are the winds that circulate the air between the equator and the poles. These winds are caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, which creates areas of high and low pressure. As air moves from high pressure to low pressure, it creates global wind patterns that circulate the air around the globe. These winds play a crucial role in distributing heat and moisture, influencing weather patterns, and affecting ocean currents. They include the trade winds, prevailing westerlies, and polar easterlies.

Climate refers to the long-term weather patterns and conditions of a region over a period of several years. It takes into account factors such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind patterns, among others. Altitude, current, and equator are all factors that can influence the climate of a region, but they do not provide a comprehensive explanation of the usual weather patterns over several years. Therefore, climate is the correct answer.

Ocean currents refer to the directed flow of water over long distances through the ocean. These currents are driven by various factors such as wind, temperature, salinity, and the rotation of the Earth. They play a crucial role in distributing heat around the planet, influencing climate patterns, and affecting marine ecosystems. Therefore, ocean currents are the correct answer to the question.

Global winds move air between the equator and the poles. This is because of the Earth's rotation and the uneven heating of the Earth's surface. The equator receives more direct sunlight, causing the air to warm and rise. As the air rises, it moves towards the poles, where it cools and sinks back down to the surface. This creates a continuous circulation pattern of air between the equator and the poles, known as the global wind system. These winds play a crucial role in distributing heat, moisture, and pollutants around the world.

Latitude is the measure of how far a place is from the equator. It is an angular distance measured in degrees, with 0 degrees being at the equator and 90 degrees at the poles. The further away from the equator a place is, the higher its latitude. Therefore, latitude is the correct answer to the question as it directly relates to the distance of a place from the equator.

A tropical climate is characterized by high temperatures and high humidity levels. This type of climate is typically found in regions near the equator, where there is abundant sunlight and warm ocean currents. The combination of heat and moisture creates a hot and humid environment, which supports the growth of lush vegetation and diverse wildlife.

The correct answer is "current." In the context of gas or liquid, current refers to the directed flow of these substances. It can be seen in the movement of air or water, such as ocean currents or global winds. Altitude, on the other hand, refers to the height above sea level and is not directly related to the directed flow of gas or liquid.

Mountains can separate two different types of climate because they act as barriers to the movement of air masses. As air is forced to rise over a mountain range, it cools and condenses, leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation on one side of the mountain. This creates a rain shadow effect, where one side of the mountain receives more moisture and has a milder climate, while the other side experiences drier conditions and a different climate. Therefore, mountains can effectively divide regions with distinct climate patterns.