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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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?