Climatic Controls

Climatic Controls

• There are six major controls of the climate of any place. They are: latitude, altitude, pressure and wind system, distance from
  the sea (continentality), ocean currents and relief features.
• Latitude: The amount of solar energy received varies according to latitude due to the curvature of the earth. As a result, from the equator to the poles, air temperature generally decreases.
• Altitude: As one goes up from the earth's surface to higher altitudes, the atmosphere becomes less dense and the temperature drops. As a result, the hills are cooler in the summer.
• Pressure and wind: The pressure and wind systems of any location are determined by its latitude and altitude. As a result, it affects the temperature and rainfall pattern.
• Distance from the sea: The sea put forth a moderating effect on climate: As the distance from the sea increases, its moderating influence decreases and the people experience extreme weather conditions. This condition is known as continentality (i.e. very hot during summers and very cold during winters).
• Ocean Current: The climate of coastal areas is affected by ocean currents as well as onshore winds. For example, any coastal area with warm or cold currents flowing past it will be warmed or cooled if the winds are onshore.
• Relief: Finally, relief plays a significant role in determining a the climate of any place. High mountains act as barriers to cold or hot winds; they may also cause precipitation if they are high enough and in the path of rain-bearing winds. The leeward side of mountains remains relatively dry.