Climate is a persistent pattern of weather that constantly repeats itself in a particular area. Climate has its own uniqueness, because it can vary depending on different factors. Thus, climatic processes in lowlands and uplands, plains and mountains, on land and sea differ significantly.
Specificity of these differences depends on climatic factors.
Let us consider main of them:
Geographic latitude. Zonality of air temperature distribution depends on this factor. Solar radiation that enters the upper limits of the atmosphere is distributed unevenly, so divergent temperatures can be observed at certain latitudes at different times of the year.
Altitude. The distribution of various meteorological variables (atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, etc.) usually changes with altitude. Since altitude has a significant impact on the climate, the concept of altitude climatic zonation was introduced.
Distribution of water space and land. This factor is primarily associated with division of climate into 2 types: marine and continental. The zonality of temperature distribution also depends on the distribution of water and land.
Oceanic currents. Have a significant influence on atmospheric circulation and air temperature distribution. For example, cold currents cause permanent fogs, while warm ocean currents increase air temperature by 3-5°C and increase precipitation in the area where they are located.
Snow, vegetation, and ice cover. Vegetation cover reduces the amplitude of temperature fluctuations and is of microclimatic importance. Snow and glacial cover can reduce heat loss at the earth’s surface by causing temperature inversions.
Human activities. It affects both microclimate and microclimatic conditions in general. Deforestation, creation of artificial reservoirs, desertification, increase in the share of greenhouse gas emissions, damage to the ozone layer – all these have an impact on the climate. In most cases, unfortunately, it is negative.