Climate

describe an area's climate Learning Objectives I will know how to describe an area's climate Summarize the factors that control climate and climate change

What Is Climate Climate Latitude Describes the average weather conditions in a region over a long period of time Determined by temp and amount of precipitation, latitude, wind patterns landforms and ocean currents The distance of an area north or south of the equator

Latitude Solar energy Seasons Latitude determines how much direct solar energy an area gets (pic) Happen because of Earth is tilted on its axis by about 23.5 degrees Tilt affects how much solar energy a area gets

Season

Prevailing Winds Prevailing winds Winds that blow mainly in one direction Caused by uneven heating of Earth’s surface Move solar energy from one place to another Affect precipitation carry water vapor from ocean

Climate Factors Topography Rain Shadow Effect (pic) Bodies of water Affect temp and precipitation Mtns affect precipitation: warm air rises, it cools, cool air condenses, forms clouds. Precipitation may fall Water absorbs and releases heat more slowly than land Paths of flowing water found near the surface of the water Carry warm or cool water to different places Topography Rain Shadow Effect (pic) Bodies of water Surface currents

Biomes Biomes Climate zones A large area with a certain climate and types of organisms Tropical, temperate, polar: temperature range due to latitude, geography, and amount of precipitation

Tropics Tropical zone 3 tropical biomes Region that surrounds the equator and that extends 23.5 degrees north and south Receives most solar radiation Rain forest, desert and savannah High temps but differ in precipitaton

Temperate Climate between the Tropics and the polar zone Latitude receives less solar energy then tropics Biomes vary in mild change in seasons to severe temp differences Temperate zone

Temperate Biomes Four biomes Forest, grassland, chaparral and desert Distinctions: distinct seasons, plants, animals, temp and amt of precipitation

Polar Polar zone Biomes Microclimates Zone located at the North and South Pole and its surrounding areas Coldest climates Winter temp below freezing Tundra, taiga Climates small area Ex: alpine biome found all over the world; high elevation affects climate thus biomes

Changes in Climate Ice age Other climate factors Period during which ice collects in high latitudes and moves toward lower latitudes Melting (warmer times) and freezing Plate tectonics continental drift, volcanic eruptions, asteroid impact sun’s cycle, global warming greenhouse effect