What Shapes Weather And Climate
Weather and climate are two of the most important elements of our environment. Weather and climate are closely related, but they are not the same. Weather is the day-to-day changes in the atmosphere, while climate is the average weather over a long period of time. Many factors can influence the weather and climate, and understanding these factors can help us better understand our environment.
Solar Radiation
Solar radiation is the main factor that determines weather and climate. The sun’s energy drives our atmosphere and produces the patterns of weather we experience. Different amounts of solar radiation reach different parts of the earth depending on its location and the season. This is why we experience different climates in different regions of the world.
Latitude
The earth’s tilt causes the sun’s rays to hit different parts of the earth at different angles. This is why regions near the equator receive more sunlight than regions near the poles. This is also why regions near the poles experience more extreme temperatures and longer days during certain times of the year.
Ocean Currents
Ocean currents can also influence the weather and climate. Warm ocean currents bring warm air to the atmosphere, while cold ocean currents bring cold air. This is why regions near warm ocean currents tend to experience milder climates than regions near cold ocean currents.
Elevation
Elevation is also a factor that can influence the weather and climate. The higher the elevation, the colder the temperatures tend to be. This is why mountain regions tend to experience colder temperatures and more extreme weather than regions at lower elevations.
Atmospheric Pressure
Atmospheric pressure also affects the weather and climate. Areas of high pressure tend to experience fair weather, while areas of low pressure tend to experience stormy weather.
Winds
Winds can also influence the weather and climate. Winds can cause storms, and they can also help disperse the clouds and clear the skies.
Conclusion
Weather and climate are shaped by a variety of factors, including solar radiation, latitude, ocean currents, elevation, atmospheric pressure, and winds. Understanding these factors can help us better understand our environment and prepare for future weather and climate changes.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.