1. Special Topics Lecture
Ch. 5 Climate and Biomes
Special Topics Lecture
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2. Words you should know Abiotic Biotic Food Web Anthropomorphic Climate
Latitudinal
Longitudinal

3. Albedo
The higher the albedo of a surface, the more sun that is reflected and the less heat stored
The lower the albedo of a surface, the more sun that is absorbed and the more heat stored.

4. VERY IMPORTANT: What causes the seasons?
The ANGLE of the sun’s rays.
Direct sunlight = summer
Direct = more sunlight in a smaller area  more heat stored
Indirect sunlight = winter
Indirect = sunlight spread over larger area  less heat stored

5. Coriolis Effect The spinning of the earth creates
Different wind speeds at different latitudes (faster at equator, slower at poles)
clockwise winds in the northern hemisphere
counter clockwise winds in the southern hemisphere
This movement is called the Coriolis Effect.
Watch:
N. hemisphere - CLOCKWISE
S. hemisphere - COUNTER - CLOCKWISE

6. Coriolis and Convection cells
Without the Coriolis Effect, air would travel in two large cells. The warm air at the equator would rise and move toward the poles. As it moved to the poles, it would cool and sink, then move back to the equator along land, warming as it moved.
DOES NOT ACTUALLY HAPPEN
With the Coriolis Effect, air still travels from the equator toward the poles, but due to the wind patterns, the 2 cells are broken into 6 global cells. Warm air rises in each cell and cools as it travels through the atmosphere, then sinks and warms as it travels across the land.

8. Climate Changes with Latitude
Starting at the equator and moving to the poles it generally:
gets colder and drier
There are exceptions particularly for rainfall!

9. Biomes – observe latitude similarities

10. Climate Changes with Elevation/Altitude
As you go up in elevation:
Less soil and less nutrients  less plants
Less oxygen
lower air pressure  thinner atmosphere  less organisms
Temperatures decreases
More UV rays – limits plant growth

11. Ocean Currents Transport nutrients and heat all over the globe
Driven mostly by:
Wind/Coriolis
Temperature gradients (colder water sinks) THERMO
Salinity gradients (saltier water sinks) HALINE
See other factors in HW
Also called the Ocean Conveyor belt

12. Upwelling
Occur when ocean currents pull water from the deep ocean up to the surface
Upwellings pull cold, nutrient rich water up to the surface
Good for fishing: increases NPP as nutrients are often a limiting factor

13. Gyres Direction driven by the Coriolis Effect and the continents
5 gyres that spin clockwise in the N. hemisphere and counter clockwise in the S. hemisphere
Redistribute heat and nutrients
Upwellings occur along the west coasts of continents

14. Ocean Currents There are two types of Ocean Currents:
1. Surface Currents / Surface Circulation
These waters make up about 10% of all the water in the ocean.
These waters are the upper 400 meters of the ocean.
Driven mostly by wind
2. Deep Water Currents
These waters make up the other 90% of the ocean
move around the ocean basins by density and gravity.
The density difference is a function of different temperatures and salinity
These deep waters sink into the deep ocean basins at high latitudes where the temperatures are cold enough to cause the density to increase.

15. El Nino Southern Oscillation

16. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
El Nino – warming event in the tropical Pacific Ocean
Caused by weak/no trade winds blowing WEST
The upwelling along the west coast of the Americas stops
Occurs in cycles every 2-7 years
La Nina – cooling event in the tropical Pacific Ocean
The opposite end of the spectrum as an El Nino
Trade winds and upwelling is strong
Both extremes cause extreme weather events globally

17. ENSO effects – El Nino During an El Nino event
Warmer ocean temps in the Pacific
Warmer and wetter in the western Americas from So. Cal south (Warmer and dryer in the Northwest US during winter and warmer and wetter in the summer)
Suppresses hurricane activity in the Atlantic ocean
Major declining in fishing populations during an El Nino
Drought in the western Pacific and Australia

18. ENSO effects – La Nina During a La Nina event
Pacific ocean temps are colder than normal
Droughts along the west coast of the Americas (more snow in northwest US)
Active hurricane season in the Atlantic
More rain in the Western Pacific and Australia

19. Microclimate – Rain shadow effect
Topography, water bodies and other local features create local climate conditions known as microclimate.
For example mountains commonly result in high rainfall on the windward side and low rainfall in the rain shadow of the leeward side.
We see this in LA: rainier on our side of the mountain – desert on the other side

20. Biomes

21. Terrestrial Biomes
Terrestrial biomes are classified by precipitation and temperature patterns
The warmest wettest biome is the tropical rainforest
Coldest dry biome is the tundra
The warmest dry biome is the subtropical desert
The temperature and precipitation patterns determine the type of vegetation and animals which are specifically adapted to the climate.

22. Forested Biomes
All forested biomes receive a sufficient amount of rainfall to support trees (which require quite a bit of rain)
Community of plants and animals are typically distributed in various layers:
Emergent layer of branches above the canopy
Canopy of full–grown trees
Subcanopy of tree saplings
Understory of herbaceous plants and shrubs

23. Tropical Rain Forest
Climate - Warm year-round, wet and humid year round
Located - near equator, specifically around the ITZC
NPP - High
Decomposition – rapid
Soil - thin, nutrient poor and acidic because decomposition rates are so rapid
Limiting Factors – light, soil nutrients
Biodiversity – highest on land
Vegetation – a wide variety, but dominated by broadleaf evergreen trees
Adaptations include: waxy leaves to keep extra water out, leaves shaped to allow water to drip off
Animals – wide variety with a diverse and complex food web
Adaptations include: Camouflage and specialization
Major Human impact – deforestation for farming

24. Tropical Seasonal Forest / Savanna
Climate - Warm year round with a rainy season and a dry season
Located – south of the equator between 30-60o
NPP - High
Decomposition – moderate
Soil – fairly fertile
Limiting Factors – water, fire maintained
Biodiversity – varies based on rainfall with scattered trees and tall grasses
Vegetation – forests in the wetter areas, grasses in less wet areas
Adaptations include: losing leaves during dry season to conserve water, fire maintained community
Animals – wide variety particularly grazers and predators
Adaptations include: Nocturnal hunting during dry season, migration for water, burrowing to avoid water loss, specialized hunting and defensive traits
Major Human impact - deforestation for farming

25. Subtropical Desert Climate - Warm and dry year round
Located – 30o above and below the equator
NPP – Very low
Decomposition – very slow
Soil – almost non-existent
Limiting Factors – water, nutrients
Biodiversity – varies based on rainfall with scattered trees and tall grasses
Vegetation – sparse and generally low to the ground with shrubs, cacti and succulents
Adaptations include: no leaves, waxy coatings and water storage to conserve moisture, deep or very spread out roots to reach water, spines and protection from grazers
Animals – wide variety particularly grazers and predators
Adaptations include: Nocturnal animals, hibernation to escape heat, water conserving (dry feces, moisture absorbing skin) and avoid overheating (reflective skin, burrowing)
Major Human impact – off road vehicles destroy delicate soil crust and threaten organisms

26. Temperate Rain Forest
Climate – moderate temperatures year-round and seasonal rainfall (foggy summers)
Located – in the Northwest US/Canada, southwest Argentina and the east coast of Australia
NPP – high
Decomposition – slow due to cool temps
Soil – nutrient poor and acidic
Limiting Factors – light and soil nutrients
Biodiversity – moderate
Vegetation – large coniferous trees, ferns and mosses
Adaptations include: climbing or hanging to access sunlight, leaf shape to allow water to fall
Animals – wide variety including slugs, wolves and deer
Adaptations include: camouflage to hide, migration, and hibernation
Major Human impact – Logging and tree farming

27. Temperate Seasonal Forest (Deciduous Forest)
Climate –wet year round with 4 seasons
Located – 30-60o latitude
NPP – high
Decomposition – rapid
Soil – fertile due to decomposing leaf litter
Limiting Factors – sunlight, cold winters
Biodiversity – high
Vegetation –mostly deciduous trees with multiple lower layers
Adaptations include: trees lose leaves in winter to conserve energy,
Animals –wide variety and diverse food web
Adaptations include: hibernation, migration or food storage for winter, camouflage
Major Human impact – Deforestation for agriculture and logging

28. Woodland / Shrubland (Chaparral)
Climate – mild temperatures with a rainy and dry season
Located – 30-60o latitude near bodies of water
NPP –moderate
Decomposition – moderate
Soil – nutrient poor (rain leaches nutrients)
Limiting Factors – rainfall in summer, low temps in winter, fire maintained
Biodiversity – moderate
Vegetation – scrub-like plants that are similar to desert plants, succulents and drought tolerant trees
Adaptations include: storing water, waxy coatings, deep roots, leaves turn brown or fall off to conserve water, fire adapted
Animals – variety of small animals like lizards, snakes, deer, owls, and some larger predators like mountain lions
Adaptations include: nocturnal, live close to the ground, camouflage, burrowing
Major Human impacts – human started fires and fire suppression activities, urbanization

29. Temperate Grassland / Cold Desert
Climate – distinct seasons with a rainy and dry season
Located –between 30-60o latitude
NPP – low
Decomposition – rapid
Soil – excellent, deep and nutrient dense
Limiting Factors – water in summer, cold in winter, fire maintained
Biodiversity – moderate (but varies)
Vegetation – mostly grasses, tall grasses in wetter areas, low grasses in drier areas
Adaptations include: deep roots, fire adapted,
Animals –
Adaptations include:
Major Human impact – agriculture

30. Boreal Forest (Taiga, Coniferous Forest)
Climate –cold year round, moderate rain all year
Located – around 60o latitude
NPP – moderate
Decomposition – low
Soil – nutrient poor and acidic
Limiting Factors – cold, nutrients, light, water
Biodiversity – moderate
Vegetation – mostly evergreen trees (conifers)
Adaptations include: needles to conserve water and energy, chemicals to repel grazers, shaped to allow snow to slide off
Animals – grazing animals including moose, bears, bobcats, chipmunks and squirrels
Adaptations include: insulating layers of fur or feather, seasonal color changes, migration
Major Human impacts – forestry, acid rain, resource exploration, climate change

31. Tundra
Climate – cold year round, very little rain, but wet in summer (melting)
Located – near the poles
NPP – low
Decomposition – very slow
Soil – nutrient depleted, thin and often frozen
Limiting Factors – water, sunlight , cold, nutrients
Biodiversity – low
Vegetation – low growing plants
Adaptations include: shallow roots for frozen soil, grow close together for warmth, grow underneath snow
Animals – birds and mammals in summer, wolves, foxes and bears year round
Adaptations include: migration and hibernation for winter, summer and winter “coats”,
Major Human impacts – climate change, resource exploration (oil, gas, etc)

32. Aquatic Biomes
Aquatic biomes are classified by water type (fresh or salty), water depth (deep or shallow) and water flow rates (fast or slow)
Organisms are specifically adapted to the conditions in each biome and would not survive elsewhere
Many aquatic habitats and species are very sensitive to change
Aquatic biomes provide major ecological services including water purification, storm water absorption, breeding grounds for fish and birds, as well as human enjoyment of their beauty

33. Benthic Zone The bottom of aquatic ecosystems
Generally where the nutrients are
Benthic organisms are specifically adapted to the conditions there
Highest productivity is found where the benthic zone is shallow (sunlight and nutrients are available)

34. Riparian Zone
The vegetative zone that runs along the edges of the aquatic biome
Highly productive ecosystems
Important for filtering pollutants, moderating temperatures, absorbing runoff, conserving soil and providing habitat
Managing an aquatic biome also involves managing the riparian zone

35. Lakes
Lakes are deep, but have slow flow rates, so they are prone to the accumulation of pollution or drops in DO
The biodiversity in lakes depends on nutrient availability
Too few nutrients and the lake cannot support a diverse food web
Too many nutrients and the lake ages quickly and becomes clogged with algae (eutrophication)

36. Cultural Eutrophication
The slow aging process during which a lake, estuary, or bay evolves into a bog or marsh and eventually disappears
Accelerated by excess nitrogen and phosphates which stimulate algal growth
fertilizer runoff (N & P)
detergents (P)
animal waste (N & P)
Results in less dissolved oxygen (DO) causing fish kills and loss of biodiversity

37. Eutrophication

38. Rivers
Rivers carry water and nutrients over land and eventually deposit both into the ocean
Rivers get shallower and more nutrient rich as the flow downstream
River deltas are fertile due to the nutrients carried from upstream, but are prone to flooding
Rivers can also carry pollution long distances
Rivers are subject to dams and water diversion

39. Coral Reefs – description
Coral reefs are created by tiny animals called polyps that secrete calcium carbonate around themselves.
When they die, the empty crust is left behind forming the physical structure of the reef
They grow very slowly and are easily damaged
Reefs have very specific requirements:
Warm, shallow, clear waters
Extremely sensitive to changes in temp, salinity, pollution, turbidity, etc
Any change in these conditions causes coral bleaching or the death of the coral reef
This leaves the white shell behind (hence bleaching)
Often caused by increased temps and/or runoff that clouds the water

40. Coral Reefs – services Ecological Economic
Moderate climate by storing CO2
Natural barrier to protect coastlines from storms
Provide habitat for a huge variety of organisms (1/4 of all marine species)
Cycle nutrients
Produce about 10% of global fish catch
Important breeding groups
Provide jobs and building materials
Eco-tourism, research and education
Fish collection (aquariums)
Coral Reefs are valued at $260,000 - $1.6 million per square mile

41. Wetlands
Wetland – A general term applied to land areas which are seasonally or permanently waterlogged
Found all over the world from poles to equator
Ex: marsh, swamp, estuary, etc

42. Wetland services Ecological Economic Purify water/water source
Provide important breeding grounds for fish and birds
Filter and detoxify pollutants
Purify water
Important habitat for plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals
Groundwater recharge
Store carbon (sea grasses especially)
Purify water/water source
Control erosion
Important breeding ground for commercially valuable fish and timber
Recreational opportunities: bird watching, hiking, photography, boating and hunting
Protection against flooding and storms
Water quality services - $1.6 billion per year, Flood control - $3-4 billion a year,

43. Estuaries Areas where freshwater and saltwater ecosystems meet
Usually when a river or streams flows into the ocean
Unique environment with a mixture of salty and fresh water (brackish water)
Conditions change throughout the daily and seasonally with sunlight, tides, mix of water, etc

44. Estuary services Ecological Economic
Provide important breeding grounds for fish and birds
Filter and detoxify pollutants
Purify water
Important habitat for plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals
Extremely productive ecosystems
Purify water/water source
Important breeding ground for commercially valuable fish and shellfish
Recreational opportunities: bird watching, hiking, photography, boating and hunting
Protection against flooding and storms

45. Mangrove Swamps Found along tropical and subtropical coasts
Trees have submerged roots which anchor sand and sediment protecting coastline
Filter toxic pollutants, excess plant nutrients, sediments, and other pollutants.
Reduce storm damage by absorbing waves and storing excess water produced by storms and tsunamis.
Provide food, habitats and nursery sites for many aquatic species.

46. Intertidal Zone
Conditions change daily as the sun rises and sets and as the tide comes in and out each day
Creates tide pools daily
Organisms must be able to survive the harsh and changing conditions
Organisms live under or attached to rocks or have shells to protect them from waves and changing water conditions

47. Open Ocean Open ocean has a low NPP and is nutrient poor
Layers are determined by light availability

48. Threats to Aquatic Biomes
Development leading to habitat destruction
Filling in of wetlands to make them buildable
Diversion of water for human uses
Reduces water flow downstream
Dams interrupt the water cycle flooding some areas and reducing water flow in others
Channelization for flood control
destroys benthic habitats
Pollution and run-off including fertilizer, pesticides, heavy metals and acid mine drainage
Reduces biodiversity
Climate change  sea level rise and ocean temp changes
Coral bleaching and loss of costal biomes