Factors affecting climate - SS1 Geography Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Latitude influences climate by affecting the angle and intensity of sunlight. For example, areas near the equator receive direct, intense sunlight year-round, resulting in a tropical climate.

As altitude increases, temperatures generally decrease due to the thinner air and reduced heat retention. This is known as the lapse rate.

The aspect determines how much sunlight a slope receives, which, in turn, affects the types of plants that can thrive there. For instance, a south-facing slope typically gets more sunlight, leading to different vegetation compared to a north-facing slope.

Continentality refers to the impact of a location's distance from the ocean on its climate. For example, the interior regions of large continents, like Siberia, experience extreme temperature variations due to their distance from moderating ocean influences.

Slope can influence the direction of water flow. Steep slopes may lead to rapid water runoff, potentially causing soil erosion and increasing the risk of flooding downstream. Gentle slopes can promote better water retention and soil stability.