Abstract
We describe climate primarily in terms of temperature, movement, and water content of (and precipitation from) air masses. Our unique position in the solar system (and possibly throughout much of the universe) combined with our atmosphere enables water to exist on earth in all three states of liquid, solid, and gas. The water molecule is unusual in that its solid form is less dense than its liquid form. This enables ice to float, thus forming huge masses at the poles that strongly affect climate. Climate is more heavily modified by the large land and water masses, the continents, and the oceans. Continental position and landforms, such as mountain chains, also modify climate.
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Bailey, R.G. (2009). Macroscale: Macroclimatic Differentiation (Ecoregions). In: Ecosystem Geography. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-89516-1_5
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