🌍 Climate Zones Interactive Lab

How it works: Places near the equator (low latitude) receive more DIRECT sunlight, making them warmer. Places far from the equator (high latitude) receive less direct sunlight, making them colder.

🔬 Texas Example: Texas is at a relatively low latitude, so it has warm temperatures most of the year. Florida is even closer to the equator, which is why it stays warm year-round!

How it works: Higher elevation = COOLER temperatures. For every 1,000 feet you go UP, temperature drops about 3-5°F. Mountain tops are always cooler than valleys below!

🔬 Texas Example: Denver, CO is called the "Mile High City" because it's 5,280 feet above sea level. That's why Denver has cooler temperatures than Houston, even though they're at similar latitudes!

How it works: Large bodies of water heat up and cool down SLOWLY. This keeps nearby areas warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Oceans also add moisture to the air, bringing more rainfall!

🔬 Texas Example: Houston is near the Gulf of Mexico, so it gets lots of moisture and has a humid climate. El Paso is far from any large body of water, so it has a dry desert climate!