ICSE Class 7 Answered

The three factors which influence the climate of North America are:

1. Latitude: The Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle pass through North America. The part of North America which lies to the south of the Tropic of Cancer experiences a sub tropical climate.

The Arctic Circle passes through the extreme north of the continent. These regions experience an extremely cold climate.

2. Direction of mountain ranges: The Western Cordilleras and the Eastern Highlands run parallel to the coast and prevent the moderate influence of the sea from reaching the interior of the continent. Thus, the temperatures are extreme in the countries located in the interior of the continent.

Since there are no mountains to act as a barrier to the cold Arctic winds in the interior of the continent, the temperature here sometimes reaches an extremely low level.

3. Ocean currents: The climate of North America is affected by the ocean currents. The Gulf Stream which is a hot current keeps the southern eastern regions warm. Further, winds blowing over these currents absorb moisture and bring rainfall to this region.

The cold Labrador current results in the lowering of temperature in the north east.