Factors Affecting Climate | Grade 9 Science DepEd MELC Quarter 3 Module 4
Short Summary:
This Grade 9 science video explains the factors affecting climate. It differentiates between weather (short-term atmospheric conditions) and climate (long-term average weather patterns). The video details five key factors influencing climate: latitude (distance from the equator), altitude (height above sea level), topography (land features), proximity to large bodies of water, and ocean currents. Examples like Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak despite its equatorial location (due to altitude), the rain shadow effect in mountainous regions, and the moderating effect of coastal locations are used to illustrate these factors. The video concludes by previewing future discussions on global climate phenomena like the greenhouse effect. No specific technologies are mentioned, but the processes of air pressure changes with altitude and the formation of rain shadows are explained in detail.
Detailed Summary:
The video begins by distinguishing between weather (short-term atmospheric conditions) and climate (long-term average weather patterns), using the example of varying summer temperatures from year to year. It establishes that the Philippines has a tropical maritime climate characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall, divided into rainy and dry seasons.
The core section focuses on five factors affecting climate:
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Latitude: Lower latitudes receive more sunlight and are warmer; temperature decreases with increasing latitude.
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Altitude: Temperature decreases with increasing altitude (approximately 1°C per 100 meters). Mount Kilimanjaro is used as an example of a snow-capped mountain near the equator due to its high altitude and the resulting decrease in air pressure and density, leading to lower temperatures. The explanation includes the decrease in air pressure and density at higher altitudes, causing less heat absorption.
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Topography: Mountain ranges significantly impact precipitation. The "rain shadow effect" is explained: windward sides receive more precipitation due to rising air cooling and condensation, while leeward sides are drier due to descending, warming air.
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Distance to Oceans/Large Bodies of Water: Coastal areas experience more moderate climates and higher precipitation than inland areas due to the slower heating and cooling of water compared to land.
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Ocean Currents: Ocean currents act like rivers, transporting warm or cold water. Warm currents increase coastal temperatures, while cold currents decrease them. The Coriolis effect is mentioned as the cause of the clockwise and counterclockwise flow patterns in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, respectively. Examples include the warm Kuroshio Current affecting Japan and the West Australian Current affecting Singapore and Indonesia.
The video concludes by summarizing the key differences between weather and climate and reiterating the five factors affecting climate. It then previews future content on the greenhouse effect, climate change, and global warming.