Climates of Earth

Climates of Earth Weather- the condition of the atmosphere in one place during a short period of time. Climate- weather patterns that an area typically experiences during a long period of time. Both are influenced by the amount of direct sunlight a place gets, ocean currents, winds, & the features on the earth’s surface.

Greenhouse Effect The atmosphere reflects some radiation back into space but it also keeps some to warm earth and keep it from escaping back into space too quickly. This is known as the greenhouse effect; w/out it the earth would be too cold for most living things.

Earth’s Tilt & Rotation Earth sits on an imaginary line called an axis that is always tilted at 23.5 degrees. Cause of this, not all places on earth receive the same amount of direct sunlight. So different places have different temperatures- how hot or cold something is. The earth’s revolution around the sun & tilt on the axis cause the changes of the seasons & amount of daylight.

What things effect climate? 1. Elevation= the earth’s atmosphere gets thinner as altitude increases, so air temp decreases. Sunlight is bright on top of Mts cause there is less atmosphere to filter out rays of the sun. But they are generally cold & covered w/ ice cause of elevation.

What things effect climate? 2. Ocean Currents= Cold & warm “rivers” of seawater are called currents Currents flow in circular patterns & are caused by the rotation of the earth, wind currents, & differences in water temp. Water is warmed & cooled the closer it gets to the poles & equator.

What things effect climate? 3. Landforms= Climates @ the same latitudes can be very different depending on the physical features near by. Coastal temps usually remain relatively the same because water is slower to heat & cool than land, so this causes a uniform temperature around that area. Interior temps are more drastic. The middle of a landmass can have hotter summers & cooler winters. Temps, rain, & surface features interact w/ wind to affect climate.

Types of Climates Tropical- this climate region is found around the equator. 2 kinds: A. Tropical Rain Forest- Hot/wet throughout the year, temp stays around 80 degrees year round. The warm humid air makes it rain almost daily & rain can exceed 80 inches a year. Amazon River basin in SA is the largest rain forest in the world.

Types of Climates Tropical Savannah= Areas that have a dry season in the winter & wet season in the summer. Found further away from the EQ. Found in Africa & SA.

Types of Climates Dry Climates 2 kinds: A. Desert- dry w/ very little plant life, rainfall around 10 inches a year. This type of climate covers 1/5 of earth. B. Steppe- often boarder deserts, rains about 10-20 inches a yr. plant life = short grasses, bushes & not many trees.

Types of Climates Mediterranean Climate= located around the Med Sea & Southern Cali, also usually found around in coastal lands. mild rainy winters & hot sunny summers. Rainfall is almost always during the winter months.

Types of Climates Subarctic Climate= COLD!!!! The main plant life is evergreen trees. Found in Northern Russia & Canada. Tundra Climate= COLD!!! During summer there is light yr round but not very warm. Plant life= mosses, bushes, & short grasses.