Factors affecting climate
Several natural factors control the weather and climate of a place. Understanding them explains why places differ even within one country.
Key idea
The main climate factors are latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, ocean currents, winds and relief (mountains). As altitude rises, temperature falls by about 6.5°C for every 1,000 m.
- Latitude: places near the equator are hotter; those near the poles are colder.
- Altitude: highlands are cooler than lowlands. This is why Cameron Highlands is cool.
- Distance from the sea: coasts have a milder, moister climate than the interior.
- Relief: windward mountain slopes receive more rain than sheltered leeward slopes.
How climate influences people
Climate strongly affects human activities. Malaysia's warm, wet climate supports year-round farming of crops such as oil palm, rubber and padi. Cooler highlands allow the growing of vegetables, tea and flowers. Climate also shapes lightweight clothing, house design with wide eaves and open windows, and the timing of the fishing season, which is disrupted during the monsoon.
Example
In the cool climate of Cameron Highlands, farmers grow temperate vegetables and tea that would not thrive in the hot lowlands.
Human impact on climate
Human activities can change local and global climate. Deforestation, burning fossil fuels and industry raise carbon dioxide levels, strengthening the greenhouse effect and global warming. In cities the urban heat island makes temperatures higher. Solutions include reforestation, using cleaner energy and reducing open burning.
Remember
- Temperature falls about 6.5°C per 1,000 m of altitude.
- Windward slopes are wetter than leeward slopes.
- Climate influences crops, clothing and house design.
- Deforestation and fossil fuels worsen global warming.