Drama – Features of worldwide destinations | e-Consult

Climate is determined by a complex interplay of various factors. These can be broadly categorized as physical and human. Physical factors are inherent characteristics of the Earth. These include:

• Latitude: The distance from the Equator affects the amount of solar radiation received. Equator receives more direct sunlight and is therefore warmer.
• Altitude: Temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude. This is because the atmosphere is thinner at higher altitudes.
• Proximity to large bodies of water: Oceans and seas have a moderating effect on temperature, leading to milder winters and cooler summers compared to inland areas.
• Ocean currents: Warm currents, like the Gulf Stream, transport warm water and influence the climate of coastal regions. Cold currents have the opposite effect.
• Prevailing wind direction: Winds from different directions bring different types of air masses with varying temperatures and humidity.

Human factors also significantly impact climate. These include:

• Deforestation: Reduces the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by trees, contributing to climate change.
• Industrialisation: Releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
• Urbanisation: Creates urban heat islands, where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas.
• Agriculture: Certain agricultural practices, like methane emissions from livestock, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

In conclusion, climate is a result of the interaction between these physical and human factors, making it a dynamic and ever-changing system.