1. Section 1: Factors Affecting Climate Section 2: Weather Factors
CHAPTER 3
Weather and Climate
Section 1: Factors Affecting Climate
Section 2: Weather Factors
Section 3: Climate and Vegetation Patterns

2. SECTION 1
Factors Affecting Climate
Question:
By which processes does the Sun interact with the Earth’s atmosphere?

3. Factors Affecting Climate
SECTION 1
Factors Affecting Climate
The Sun’s Effect on Earth
The Sun’s energy reaches Earth
Half of the energy is reflected back into space or absorbed by the atmosphere.
The other half is absorbed by Earth’s surface and converted into heat energy.
The atmosphere traps this heat in a process called the greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect helps keep the planet warm.

4. SECTION 2
Weather Factors
Question:
What are the steps in the formation of precipitation, and what are the four common types of precipitation?

5. Condensation clouds, dew, fog, frost
SECTION 2
Weather Factors
Formation of Precipitation
evaporation
humidity
Condensation clouds, dew, fog, frost
rain
snow
sleet
hail

6. SECTION 3
Climate and Vegetation Patterns
Question:
What are the characteristics of tropical humid and tropical wet and dry climates?

7. Tropical humid climate Tropical wet and dry climates
SECTION 3
Climate and Vegetation Patterns
Tropical humid climate
Tropical wet and dry climates
close to equator
warm temperatures, rainfall all year
receives Sun’s rays directly all year
rising warm, unstable air
monsoons
north and south of tropical humid
seasonal change in how Sun’s rays hit Earth
alternating wet and dry seasons
savannas

8. Chapter Wrap-Up CHAPTER 3 1. How does latitude relate to climate?
2. How do atmospheric pressure zones and ocean currents affect Earth’s energy balance?
3. On a global scale, where is precipitation most common?
4. What effects can hurricanes have on local environments?
5. Where will you find climates that are generally warm and wet all year? What creates dry weather conditions in arid regions?