Weather and Climate Weather = condition of the atmosphere at a particular time and place Climate = average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time Two main factors that affect climate Temperature Precipitation

Weather and Climate These affected by… Latitude = position north or south of the equator, represented by east west lines on a globe 0˚ latitude = equator 90˚ N = North Pole…90˚ S = South Pole

Increase latitude; decrease temperature Less direct sunlight Seasons (w,sp,su,f) affected by the tilt of the earth which causes more/less direct sunlight

Weather and Climate Ocean Currents Warm currents…warm air Cold currents…cool air

Weather and Climate Prevailing Winds = wind that blows in one direction From land = dry air From water = moist air

Colder region = cool/dry Warmer region = warm/moist Air masses take on characteristics of what it is located over

Weather and Climate Geography Increase elevation; decrease temperature Decrease elevation; increase temperature

Weather and Climate Mountains windward side = wet Air rises, cools, condenses and rains leeward side = dry…no moisture…deserts air sinks, warms up, absorbs moisture

Three Major Climate Zones A rctic Circle…66.5˚ N Tropic of Cancer…23.5˚ N Equator…0˚ Tropic of Capricorn…23.5˚ S Antarctic Circle…66.5˚ S

Weather and Climate Tropical Zone A. Tropical Rain Forest 200 cm+ of rain 70’s & 80’s temperature Monkeys, lemurs, parrots, snakes, tigers, leopards

Tropical Savannah 100 cm of rainfall 80’s & 90’s temperature Grasses, small trees, giraffes, lichens, hyenas, elephants

Weather and Climate Tropical Deserts 0-25 cm of rainfall 60’s to 120’s temperature Cacti, lizards, snakes, scorpions, kangaroo rats

Weather and Climate Temperate Zone A. Temperate forests B. Temperate grasslands C. Chaparrals D. Temperate deserts

Polar Zone A. Tundra Permafrost = permanently frozen soil Birds migrate in summer Caribou, reindeer, rabbits, fox, birds

Taiga “spruce-moose” biome Conifers (evergreen), rabbits, moose, elk, wolves, bears