The main idea of the chapter Climate is that different climates are created by rain, wind, and the sun's warmth.
The difference between weather and climate is that weather refers to the patterns or changes in the atmosphere that take place
over a small period of time, and climate refers to what kind of weather usually occurs in a long period of time.
The general direction of the wind blowing over North America is towards the East.
In order to get to South America, the European sailors used winds towards the west.
Since climate is affected by the angle where the sun's rays hit the Earth, the Earth's tilt affects climate
by creating seasons such as winter or summer. When the Earth spins, the sun hits a different part of the Earth.
This relates to Columbus's voyage because he used these winds to help him on his trip. When heading to the West Indies, Columbus traveled downwards before
going straight across, using the northeasternly winds. On his returning voyage, he used the westerly winds to carry him back to Europe.
samwsm1. "global circulation (1-54)", June 12, 2008