1. Climates of the earth
Chapter 3

2. Chapter 3, Section 1: Earth-sun relationships
Climate and weather
Earth’s tilt and rotation
Earth’s revolution
The greenhouse effect

3. Climate and weather
Weather = the condition of the atmosphere in one place during a limited period of time
Climate = the term for the weather patterns that an area typically over a long period of time
Seattle has a rainy, wet climate. The weather in Seattle is day-by-day. Today there is a 70% chance of rain with a high temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit

4. Earth’s tilt and rotation
Earth’s axis = an imaginary line running from the north pole to the south pole through the planet’s center.
Earth’s axis is currently tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees
This affects temperature, the measure of how hot or cold a place is.

5. Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn

6. Earth’s rotation Spaceship Earth
Earth’s tilt always stays the same. This is why we have seasons (summer and winter)
Seasons are most dramatic at the poles
Revolution: one trip around the sun (365 days)
Equinox = when the sun’s rays fall directly on the Equator
~March 20
~September 22
Solstice = when the sun’s rays fall on either the Tropic of cancer of the tropic of Capricorn
~December 21
~June 21

7. The Greenhouse effect

8. Chapter 3, Section 2: Factors affecting climate
Low/mid/High Latitudes
Elevation
Winds and Ocean Currents
Wind Patterns
Ocean latitudes
Ocean currents
EL NiÑo
Landforms and climate

9. Low/mid/high latitudes
Mid Latitude
Low Latitude

10. Elevation Elevation = the height above the level of the sea
The higher the elevation, the thinner the air (more oxygen is present at sea level).
Thinner air retains less heat. That is why airplane windows are cold during flight.

11. Wind Patterns
Global winds blow in fairly constant patterns called prevailing winds
Doldrums are the generally windless bands, also called horse latitudes
Doldrums

12. Ocean currents
Just as winds move in patterns, so do cold and warm streams of water. These are called currents
Just like the winds, currents are caused by Earth’s rotation, air pressure, and water temperature
East Australian Current

13. EL NIÑO
EL NiÑo = the periodic change in the pattern of ocean currents, water temperatures, and weather in the mid-Pacific region
IT doesn’t happen every year, but has been happening more frequently since the 70’s
Warm water from Australia to north/South America
More rain through North/South America
Scientists are not sure why this happens, or why it is happening more frequently

14. Landforms and climate: The rain shadow effect
Windward side = side of the mountain
facing the wind
Leeward side = warmer, drier side
of the mountain

15. Chapter 3, Section 3: World climate patters
Climate regions
Tropical climates
Dry climates
Midlatitude climates
High-latitude climates
Highland climates
Climate Changes

16. Tropical climates Found in or near the tropics (low latitudes)
How and wet throughout the year (very humid)
Tropical rainforests

17. Dry Climates Dry areas with sparse plant life Scrubs and cactus
Hot by day, cold by night
Desserts

18. Midlatitude climates
Experience variable weather patterns and seasonal changes
Usually an abundance of rainfall with a variety of natural vegetation
Think of the different climates found across the United States

19. High-latitude climates
Freezing temperatures are common throughout the year
In the winters, sun light is minimal to non-existent
Permafrost = permanently frozen subsoil

20. Highland Climates High mountain areas, even along the equator
Cooler temperatures, thinner air
The higher the elevation, the less vegetation

21. Climate changes
Climates gradually change over time, though the causes are unclear
During the last 1 to 2 million years, Earth has experienced 4 ice ages
Human interaction with the environment also affects climate
Burning fossil fuels and pollution have a negative impact on the planet