ABSTRACT
The actual climate, resulting from the interference by the other factors with the solar climate, is known as the ‘physical climate’. Latitude is the prime factor in determining climatic zones, for the only considerable source of warmth is the sun, and the heating effect is greatest where the sun’s rays are most nearly vertical. The north-and-south grain of America and the east-and-west grain of Eurasia offer an interesting comparison of climatic results. Land and sea breezes are most noticeable and regular where temperature changes are most regular and particularly in equatorial climates. To an extent roughly proportional to the size of the body of water lakes moderate the climate of their immediate vicinity. The northern slopes of east-and-west mountain valleys in the northern hemisphere enjoy a more genial climate because of the greater intensity and duration of sunlight which they enjoy.
