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Understanding Climate Factors: The L.O.W.E.R.N. Method

Explore the key factors influencing climate through the L.O.W.E.R.N. acronym: Latitude, Ocean Currents, Winds and Air Masses, Elevation, Relief, and Near Water. Each factor plays a crucial role in determining temperatures and climate patterns across regions. For instance, latitude affects the concentration of the sun's energy, while ocean currents moderate coastal climates. Understanding these elements can help predict weather conditions and climate changes, including the impact of global warming on ocean currents like the Global Conveyor Belt.

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Understanding Climate Factors: The L.O.W.E.R.N. Method

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  1. Climate Factors

  2. a good way to remember the factors: L - latitude O – ocean currents W – winds and air masses E - elevation R - relief N – near water

  3. Latitude • sun’s energy is “more concentrated” near the equator • large amount of energy over a small area • sun’s energy is “less concentrated” the farther north or south of the equator you go • large amount of energy over a large area

  4. therefore, distance from the equator is a key factor in determining whether a region has a hot or cold climate • places farther away from the equator experience colder temperatures than those near the equator

  5. Ocean Currents

  6. the temperature of an ocean current affects the temperature of the air that passes over it • here’s how it works; on the west coast the North Pacific Current heats the cool air that passes over it giving the coastal regions of B.C. a milder climate

  7. Winds & Air Masses

  8. the sun heats the ground of the Earth, which heats the air above it and causes this air to rise • this produces a “low pressure” area • air cools as it rises and thus sinks back down to the surface • this produces a “high pressure” area

  9. air moves along the surface of the Earth from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas • this moving air causes wind • these winds move air masses that affect the climate of an area

  10. Elevation • temperature decreases as elevation increases • as air rises, it cools

  11. Relief • mountains form a natural barrier that cause air masses to rise • as air is forced to rise itcools • as air descends on the other side of the mountain it’s temperature increases

  12. Near Water • large bodies of water heat up/cool down slower than land • in the summer water is cooler than land and in the winter water is warmer than land • the water heats/cools the air above it • winds blowing then move this warm/cool air over the land moderating its temperature

  13. Ocean Conveyor Belt

  14. Ocean water moves because of differences in density •  Water that is denser sinks below water that is less dense • Changes in temperature and salinity can change the density of seawater • Cold water is denser than warm water • Saltier water is denser than less salty water

  15. Human • Global Warming – rising of the earth’s temp • can “break” or “push south” the Global Conveyor Belt by melting glaciers in Northern Canada and the Arctic

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