Chapter 25 Climate Chapter 25 What are Climate Zones?

Chapter 25 Climate Zones Climate Zones- Area of the Earth that has a certain temperature range and similar weather conditions. Latitudes and Climate Zones Tropical Zone- warm region near the equator. *Located between 30° North latitude and 30° South latitude. Average monthly temperature 18°C or higher. Small yearly temperature ranges. Polar Zone- Cold region above 60° North and below 60° South. * Temperatures do not go above 10°C. Low yearly average temperatures Larger yearly temperature range. Mid-Latitude Zones- Located between 30° and 60° North /South latitudes. *Cold winters and moderate summers.

Chapter 25 Solar Energy and Climate Zones *The biggest influence on climate and weather is energy from the Sun. The tilt (inclination) of the Earth influences the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth. Rainfall and Climate Zones Polar Zone- Always cold and never humid. Middle Latitude- Usually have moist summers and moderate winters. Equatorial Latitude- Heavy rainfall throughout the year. Effects of Climate Climate determines the type of soil and vegetation. Climate can be a determinate in the types of animal life that inhabit an area.

Chapter 25 Local Climates Local Climates- Local conditions can affect the climate of any area. * Local climates result in small climate zones. Altitudes and closeness to large water bodies has the greatest effect on local climates. Microclimates- very small climatic zones. * Can be as small as a school playground. Cities have microclimates. (heat islands) Cities have average temperatures much warmer than surrounding areas or suburbs. What do you think causes this phenomena? Three reasons:

Chapter 25 Global Warming- Increase in the average yearly temperature of the Earth. * Climate has changed many times in the Earth’s history. These changes were due to natural causes; volcanism, changes in atmospheric composition. Anthropogenic- Human activities that are contributing to the increase in the Earth’s average temperature.

Chapter 25 Causes that contribute to Global Warming Increased Carbon Dioxide levels Increased Water Vapor Levels Increased Methane Levels

Chapter 25 What can happen if the temperature continues to increase? The oceans get warmer and currents could change. thermal expansion 1m rise *80% of the heat is stored in the oceans The polar ice caps could melt. Antarctica melts, increases sea level by 60m Greenland glaciers melt, increases sea level by 7m Sea Level rises. Average rise in sea level 1.8mm/yr.

Chapter 25 How do we know that Climates have changed? Paleoclimatic records- information that has been recorded in past years of activity. Glacieral Records- gases from past atmospheric conditions have been trapped in ice. Dendrology- tree ring methods of determining temperature an moisture based on growth rings of trees. Warm wet conditions allows trees to grow faster, larger rings. Small growth rings cold, dry conditions. Fossil Records- Certain fossils could only live in specific climatic conditions. Determining the age of rock layers in which they live is a good indication of a specific time period.

Chapter 25

Chapter 25 How Climate Affects Living Things Biomes- large region with a characteristic climate and plant and animal communities. Vegetation- plants/trees. * Scientist identify biomes by specific plants found in a region. * Climate affects vegetation that can grow in a specific region. * Temperature and precipitation are the climatic factors that affect vegetation. * Animals that feed on specific plants can only live in certain climates. * Animals have over time adapted to specific climates through biodiversity, specifically temperature.