Utah's climate is determined by the following factors:
its latitude gives it a temperate climate, its distance from the sea makes the summers and winters colder, and the rain shadow effect makes it arid.
its latitude gives it a temperate climate, its distance from the sea makes the summers hotter and the winters colder and the rain shadow effect makes it arid.
its latitude gives it a temperate climate, its distance from the sea makes the summers hotter and the winters colder, and the rain shadow effect makes it humid.
The correct answer is the second option: "its latitude gives it a temperate climate, its distance from the sea makes the summers hotter and the winters colder, and the rain shadow effect makes it arid."
To determine the climate of Utah, we need to consider specific factors. Let's break down each factor:
1. Latitude: Utah is located at a relatively high latitude, which generally results in a temperate climate. Higher latitudes receive less direct sunlight, leading to cooler average temperatures.
2. Distance from the sea: Utah is a landlocked state, meaning it is located far away from any major bodies of water. This lack of proximity to the sea influences its climate. Areas near the ocean tend to have more moderate temperatures due to the moderating effect of the water. Since Utah is at a distance from the sea, it experiences greater temperature extremes, with hotter summers and colder winters, compared to coastal areas.
3. Rain shadow effect: A rain shadow occurs when a mountain range obstructs the path of prevailing winds, causing the air to rise and cool. As the air cools, it loses its ability to hold moisture, leading to reduced precipitation on the leeward side (downwind) of the mountain range. In the case of Utah, the presence of the Rocky Mountains to the east creates a rain shadow effect, making the region arid. The mountains block moisture-laden winds from the west, resulting in less rainfall and a drier climate.
Considering these three factors together, Utah has a temperate climate due to its latitude, with hotter summers and colder winters due to its distance from the sea, and it experiences arid conditions caused by the rain shadow effect.