Key learning points

1. The climate of a place is influenced by three factors: latitude, altitude and distance from the sea.
2. Russia has a generally continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.
3. When comparing climate between places, the factors need to be considered together as they interrelate.
4. Russia’s temperature pattern shows the impact of latitude and altitude and distance from the sea.
5. Russia’s precipitation pattern reflects its distance from the sea: interior regions receive less than coastal areas.

Keywords

• Continental climate - a relatively dry climate with very hot summers and very cold winters, found in locations away from the sea

• Latitude - imaginary lines on Earth showing position north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees

• Altitude - height above sea level or ground level

Common misconception