TEST OF PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE QUESTION (a) Define climate (b) With the aid of a diagram, describe how latitudes influence temperature (c) Calculate the temper...

(a) Definition of climate

Climate is the average weather condition of a place observed and recorded over a long period, usually about 30 to 40 years.

(b) Influence of latitude on temperature

Temperature generally decreases from the Equator towards the poles. At low latitudes around the Equator, the Sun's rays are nearly vertical. They pass through a shorter distance of the atmosphere and their heat is concentrated on a small area; therefore, temperatures are high.

At higher latitudes towards the poles, the Sun's rays strike the Earth's surface obliquely. They pass through a greater thickness of atmosphere, where more heat is lost through scattering and absorption by clouds, water vapour and dust. The rays also spread over a larger surface area; therefore, temperatures are lower.

(c) Temperature at the 6,000 m mountain peak

Normal lapse rate = \(6.5^{\circ}\text{C}\) per 1,000 m ascent.

\[\text{Temperature decrease}=\frac{6.5}{1000}\times6000=39^{\circ}\text{C}\]

\[\text{Temperature at peak}=40^{\circ}\text{C}-39^{\circ}\text{C}=1^{\circ}\text{C}\]

Therefore, the temperature at the mountain peak is \(1^{\circ}\text{C}\).