World Geography CHAPTER 3 NOTES

 A. What is the main cause of the earth’s seasons/weather?  Tilt of the Earth and the revolution of the Earth I. SEASONS AND WEATHER

A.) 23 ½ degrees is the furthest angle the earth will tilt towards the sun. B.) How does this affect sunlight?  Not every place receives the same amount of sunlight at the same time C.) What’s the difference between the solstice and the equinox?  Equinox – Sun is over the Equator/ equal days, equal nights  Solstice- sun is over the Tropics/winter – shortest day of the year/summer- longest day of the year II. EARTH’S TILT

Summer Solstice: Tropic of Cancer Spring Equinox: Equator Winter Solstice: Tropic of Capricorn Autumn Equinox: Equator Which line of latitude is gong to be closest to the sun during

A.) What is the difference between weather and climate?  Weather – atmosphere during a short period of time  Climate – over a long period of time B.) What are the various causes of weather?  Amount of solar energy received by a location  Water VaporBodies of Water  Cloud CoverElevation  LandformAir Movement III. WEATHER

 Land loses/gains heat rapidly/quickly while water loses/gains heat slowly.

IV. PRECIPITATION PROCESS Warm air rises Water vapor condenses Water droplets form into clouds Amount of water is too heavy for clouds

 Mountains block the moist air and force it upward  As the air rises, it cools and looses its ability to hold moisture so the rain/snow falls  By the time the air reaches the other side of the mountain all the moisture has left the clouds – creates a rain shadow WHY IS THERE LITTLE RAIN ON ONE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN

 What are the main factors affecting climate?  Zone of Latitude  Elevation  Wind Patterns  Ocean Currents  Landforms CLIMATE

 Low – Tropical zone near the equator between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn – warm/hot year around, humid, rains almost daily  Middle – Temperate zone from the Tropics to the Circles (Arctic and Antarctic Circles 66 ½ degrees) – climates can vary greatly and change with the seasons – Can be hot or cold depending on the time of year  High- Polar zones – extend from the Circles to the Poles- area around either the North or South Pole – Cold all year usually freezing temperature DESCRIBE THE CLIMATE IN EACH ZONE OF LATITUDE

 Mountains WHAT KIND OF LANDFORM MOST AFFECT CLIMATE?

A.) El Nino – what affect does it have on America ?  Winds push warm water and heavy rains towards the Americas causing flooding and warmer temperatures B.) What is believed to be the cause of global warming?  Greenhouse effect: Layers of gases released by the burning of coal and petroleum traps some of the solar energy causing the atmosphere to heat up  Natural warming and cooling cycles CLIMATE CHANGES