Question

Whether you’re familiar with the dry regions of the Midwest, the rain of the northwest coast, or the humidity of the southeast, you’re most likely used to some type of climate. Climate patterns vary with latitude, altitude, and regional geography. Over time, we refer to these differences in temperature, humidity, wind, and rain as climate.

Many factors impact the climate and weather. These include the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface and the planet’s rotation. But how do these factors cause changes in weather and climate?


The Earth’s rotation affects the climate.
Climate vs. Weather
There is a difference between “climate” and “weather.” The difference is that climate is historical. But the weather is happening now! Climate is data gathered through historical records. The weather, on the other hand, is a description of current conditions like humidity. For example, we may say that the climate of Hawaii is tropical. But the weather on Honolulu is sunny!

Meteorologists use climatology records to make forecasts. Meteorologists have many tools to predict the weather. But their predictions become more accurate from record-keeping.

Earth’s orbit around the Sun causes changes in the Sun’s radiation. This solar radiation affects the weather depending on where the Sun is shining more brightly. In the summer, the Sun shines more intensely. This is because it is closer to the Earth. In the winter, though, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Earth. So, the weather is not as warm or sunny.


Solar radiation affects the Earth’s climate.
Latitude and the Earth’s Climate
Latitude also has an influence on climate. This is due to the Earth’s tilt. At higher latitudes, the Sun’s rays the Sun’s rays are spread over a greater surface. This results is less heat. Higher altitude areas are farther from the hot Equator. Lower altitude areas are closer to the Equator.

The Earth’s orbit and tilt are responsible for the four seasons. Seasons in some areas are more distinct than in others. For example, the northeastern United States is a temperate zone. This means that the northeast has distinct seasons including autumns and springs with cool temperatures.

But Arizona, which features a desert climate, is not a temperate zone. The seasons are different because of the angles of the Sun. Likewise, in Australia, the seasons are not the same. Australia experiences summer when Americans are enduring winter. This is due to the location of the Sun. While you are sledding in winter, Australians may be swimming!

Understanding Differences in Climate and Weather
Uneven heating of the Earth’s surface is seen in different climates and weather. Alaska does not receive the Sun’s heat in the same way that Alabama does. Furthermore, the revolution of the Earth means that solar radiation will be higher or lower. It depends on how close the planet is to the Sun. These factors help scientists understand differences in climate and weather.


Questions
What is one way the Earth’s rotation around the Sun influences the Earth’s climate?
Type your answer here.

Answer 1

One way is that Earth’s orbit (and tilt) causes the seasons by changing how much solar radiation different regions receive — when a hemisphere tilts toward the Sun it gets more intense sunlight (summer), and when it tilts away it gets less (winter).