Relationship Between Latitude & Climate

Many factors such as terrain, wind direction, ocean currents and ocean proximity, influence the climate of a given region of the earth. One of the most fundamental factors is the latitude (distance from the equator) of the location.

Diffraction of the Sun's Energy

The sun's energy is concentrated in the equatorial area of the earth and dispersed as latitudes approach the poles. This diffraction in energy results in cooler temperatures at the poles.

Seasons

The climate in these zones also varies over the course of the year due to the tilt of the earth's axis. This tilt results in an increasing and decreasing angle to the sun over the course of the year. These changes result in seasonal temperature variations.

Tropic Zone

The tropic zone extends from roughly 23.5 degrees N to 23.5 degrees S. This zone experiences the sun directly overhead at least once per year and is characterized by warm temperatures year round.

Temperate Zones

The Northern Temperate Zone and Southern Temperate Zone extend from approximately 23.5 degrees to 66.5 degrees north and south, respectively. A strong seasonal pattern exists in these zones with warm summers and cool winters.

Arctic and Antarctic Zones

From 66.5 degrees to the poles lay the polar zones (Arctic Zone in the northern hemisphere and Antarctic Zone in the southern hemisphere). These polar zones experience at least one day of continual darkness (and one day of continual daylight) each year and have frigid winters and cool summers.

References

• Latitude and Climate
• Factors Affecting Climate

Resources

• Iowa State University Project Polaris