Physical Characteristics Indicator 1.1

Climate Four climate zones: 1. Tropical 2. Dry 3. Midlatitude 4. High-latitude All support different biomes, major types of ecological community defined primarily by distinctive natural vegetation and animal groups.

Tropics Tropical rain forests have an average daily temperature of 80°F, humid, and rains almost daily. Average Annual rainfall- 50-260 inches Biome- thick vegetation growth in layers, lots of wildlife Amazon River basin

Tropics Tropical wet/dry climates have two distinct seasons with year round high temperatures. Sunlight is not blocked by trees Found in Africa, Central/South America, Asia, and Australia Biome- highly specialized plants/animals

Dry Climates Two types: Semi-arid (steppes) and arid- both found in low latitudes and midlatitudes. Steppes- away from oceans, less humid Warm summers/harshly cold winters Found on every continent

Dry Climates Deserts- extremely dry areas with less than 10 in of rain per year Support very small amount of plant/animal life Oasis- lush vegetation found in deserts fed by underground springs

Midlatitude & High-Latitude Climates Four temperate regions: Humid subtropical Marine west coast Mediterranean Humid continental

Humid Subtropical Short, mild winters, and year-round rain all maintained by wind patterns and high pressures from nearby oceans. Vegetation: prairies, deciduous forests Brazil, Japan, Australia, India Coniferous- vegetation with cones and needle-shaped leaves that keep foliage in winter. Deciduous- sheds seasonally; loses leaves in autumn

Marine west coast Between the latitudes of 30° N to 60° N and 30° S to 60° S. Ocean winds bring cool damp winters. Rainfall supports mixed forests (both coniferous & deciduous trees).

Mediterranean Mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Vegetation- woody bushes/short trees Lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea

Humid Continental Landforms influence climate Do not experience the moderating effect of ocean winds More north, more snowy & cold

Subarctic Winters:bitterly cold, summers: short & cool Have widest temperature range Permafrost is permanently frozen ground under thin layer of soil

Tundra Winter darkness & bitter cold last for months Summer has limited warming Vegetation cannot penetrate extremely thick permafrost, so only bushes, low grass, and moss grow

Climate Change Avg. Global Temperature has increased 1.4 degrees farenheit Indicators of Climate change include Rising global temps Severe Weather changes Increase in severe weather events Rising sea levels Scientists disagree what causes climate change Greenhouse gas emissions are also contributing factors to climate change Acid Rain is caused by gases from burning fossil fuels mixing with water. It can destroy forests Burning fossil fuels can also heat the atmosphere throgh exhaust that can form smog