1. Climate

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Season

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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