CLIMATE REGIONS By: Annette Miles With additional notes by: Miss Mills

Climate O The general weather conditions that exist in an area over a long period of time

What effects climate? O Geography O Latitude O Oceans O Elevation O Local Topography

Latitude O “Because the rays of the sun are more direct at the equator, the warmest temperatures as seen on a broad scale are found in equatorial regions. Tropical areas are warm climates found within 23.5 degrees north or south of the equator. Temperate zones with warm summers and cool to cold winters are found between 23.5 and 66.5 degrees north or south. The cold arctic regions are found north or south of 66.5 degrees latitude.” O John Peterson

Latitude and Longitude O Longitude- is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east- west position of a point on the Earth's surface, degrees O Latitude- latitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface, 0-90 degrees.

Geography effects Climate O “Geography has a primary effect on climate, and a good idea can be formed about the particular climate of a given area by its location on a map. The mountains, valleys and bodies of water in local topography influence precipitation and temperature. The distance north or south from the equator also greatly affects temperature and can impact precipitation. In addition, being near or far from a coastline influences climate.” O John Peterson

Oceans O “The temperature of ocean currents will affect climate along coastlines and inland. The wind will carry warm air off of warm ocean currents and increase temperatures along coastal areas. When this warm ocean current air meets cool air on land, it can also create greater precipitation. Seasonal changes affect oceans more slowly than land. Thus oceans heat up more slowly in the summer and produce cooler summer temperatures. Likewise, they cool more slowly in the winter and produce warmer temperatures than land.” O John Peterson

Tropical Climates These are areas with 12 months of warmth, light, and rain. They are located near the equator and have only one distinct season. The temperature remains relatively constant through the year degrees Middle Lattitude

Tropical Climates The continuous warmth and light cause rapid plant growth, allowing luxurious forests to cover the land.

Tropical Climates The multi-layered canopies provide habitats for many different species.

Tropical Climates The humid, dark conditions in the lower layer of the forest are ideal for growing moss, fungus, and ferns.

Tropical Climates The brilliantly colored birds with oversized bills that live in the tropical climates don’t need to migrate to warmer regions.

Tropical Climates Warm temperatures also allow an abundance of reptile and amphibian species to thrive.

Desert/Arid Climate Deserts cover more than one fifth of the Earth’s land and are found on every continent degrees Low Lattitude

Desert/Arid Climate This is an area that is very dry and has an array of plants and animals that are adapted to harsh conditions.

Desert/Arid Climate Here plants must survive a lack of water, drying winds, and extreme temperatures. Their leaves are thin to prevent water loss.

Desert/Arid Climate The many desert animals are nocturnal, spending the hot daytime hours in burrows.

Desert/Arid Climate Camels can survive the loss of 40 percent of their body weight, and they can drink 30 gallons of water in 10 minutes.

Desert/Arid Climate Desert foxes and rabbits have large ears to radiate excess heat.

Temperate Climate The temperate climate zone lies in between the tropics and the polar regions degrees Middle Lattitude

Temperate Climate The temperate climate is marked by four different seasons with a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.

Temperate Climate Deciduous trees lose their leaves and stop photosynthesizing before winter to prevent moisture loss.

Temperate Climate Reptiles and amphibians hibernate and become dormant in the winter. Squirrels and other mammals that remain active rely on stored food.

Northern/Sub-polar Climate This climate zone is found between the temperate and polar regions.

Northern/Sub-polar Climate Northern winters are too harsh for deciduous tree, but conifers have tough, wax covered needles to prevent water loss and resist the cold.

Northern/Sub-polar Climate Animals grow larger in this area because large bodies limit heat loss.

Polar Climate This climate zone are located at the Earth’s poles. 60+ degrees of Latitude: High Latitude

Polar Climate Regions with a polar climate cover 20% of the Earth. It is characterized by a lack of warm summers and very cold, harsh winters.

Polar Climate Only hardy plants such as grasses and sedges can survive in the Arctic. In the Antarctic only mosses and lichen can survive the freezing temperatures.

Polar Climate Small mammals such as lemmings take shelter under the snow, feeding on buried plants.

Polar Climate Other animals that winter in these regions, change color from brown to white for camouflage. Arctic Fox Snowy Owl

Climate Change Long term Short term

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