1. The Polar Zone Definition
The climate zone located around the north and south poles.
90 down to 66.5
Have the coldest average temperature of the three climate zones
Has two biomes
Tundra
Taiga

2. Tundra Taiga Quick Stats Long cold winters Short cool summers
Has a layer of soil called permafrost that is permanently frozen
Water cant get past the frozen soil so top layer is very muddy
South of the Tundra
Short, cool summers
Most trees here are confers, evergreens

3. Changes in Climate Ice Ages Glacial Period Interglacial Period
Causes of Ice Ages
A period of time when ice collects in the higher latitudes and moves toward lower latitudes
Earth has experienced many ice ages
Time when large sheets of ice are advancing
Sea levels drop
Warmer times between Glacial Periods
Ice melts and sea levels rise
Current theory is that Earth’s orbit changes over time which changes our distance from the Sun and the tilt of our axis
These changes affect radiation levels and temperatures on Earth

4. Plate Tectonics Volcanic Eruptions Asteroid Impact
As plates move about the earth they receive different amounts of radiant energy
This changes the climates of the different land masses
Large amounts of ash, dust and smoke from a volcano can block the sun’s rays and cool the Earth
Impact of asteroid can send large amounts of debris and dust into the atmosphere.
This debris can block the suns energy and lower temperatures
Lower temperatures would change the climates around the planet

5. Every 11 years the sun goes through a cycle
Suns Cycle
Every 11 years the sun goes through a cycle
It can release a maximum amount of radiation and then switch to releasing a minimum amount of energy
This can change the winds in the atmosphere
Changes in wind can change the climate patterns around the world

6. Global warming can change climates over time.
Theory that pollutions are affecting the greenhouse effect causing the Earth to warm.
Greenhouse Effect in a natural process that keeps the temperature of the Earth Stable
Burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide gases which trap in extra heat
Global warming can change climates over time.
Ice sheets and glaciers will melt causing wide spread flooding
Temperatures and Precipitation amounts around the world will change