Factors that affect climate
Several factors shape climate. 1) The angle of the Sun’s rays (latitude): near the equator rays fall more steeply, so it is hot; towards the poles the angle becomes smaller and it is colder. 2) Movement of air masses: moist air comes from the sea, dry air from the land. 3) Distance from seas and oceans: near the sea temperature differences are small, far away they are large (continental climate). 4) Ocean currents: a warm current warms a coast, a cold one cools it. 5) Relief: in mountains air gets colder with height (on average about 6 °C per 1 km), and slopes block moisture. 6) The state of the surface (water, forest, sand, snow): water heats and cools slowly, and snow reflects much sunlight. Climate has also changed through history, for example in ice ages; the reasons are not fully understood.
Model: in a dim room hold a torch straight (90°) over a sheet of paper and outline the lit spot with a pencil; then hold it slanted (about 30°) – the spot stretches and looks dimmer. In the same way the Sun’s rays fall steeply at the equator and slanted at the poles. Safety: do not shine the torch at eyes; do not use a candle; an LED torch is best (it does not get hot).