Vacation to the WestCalifornia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington,

Wyoming

Climate Many different climates

› Desert Climate› Alpine Climate› Semiarid Steppe Climate› Marine Climate

Climate The climates are effected by the

mountains and the coast.› As the moist air from the ocean gets towards

the mountains it rises. › As the air rises it cools. › The cool air cannot hold the moisture and

therefore drops it in the form of rain and snow on the west side of the mountains.

› Let’s look at the picture on page 325 in our book. Discuss with your group what happens.

Climate The equator also effects the climate. The closer you get to the equator (the

further south you go) the warmer it gets.

Why do you think that is?

Rocky Mountains Dividing border between the Midwest

and the West. The Rocky Mountains get their name

from their sharp peaks. The Rocky Mountains often have

snow on the highest peaks year round because they are so high.