BIOL 3301 ch 2

Climate

long terms average patter of weather

Weather

specific place and time

What is included in weather

temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, cloudiness

Albedo

reflectivity of a surface

Equator

the average annual surface net radiation is higher at

Poles

the average annual surface net radiation if lower at

Earths tilt

23.5 degrees

Equinoxes

vernal (spring) and autumnal (fall)

Solstices

December (winter) and June (summer)

The equator shows what

little seasonal variation in temp

The poles show more

seasonal variation in day length and solar radiation

right

Northern hemisphere has deflection to the

left

Southern hemisphere has deflection to the

near equator

rising air masses of very warm humid air, very rainy, cool and release precipitation

30 degrees N and S

falling air masses of dry cool air, warm and absorb surface moisture

50 degree to 60 degrees N and S

rising air masses of warm humid air, cool and release precipitation

Southern hemisphere

more rain, greater ocean area

Factors influencing regional and local patterns of climate

wind patterns, proximity to coastline, latitude, and topography

Microclimates

areas with conditions different from general climate conditions in an area

Location in landmass

maritime influence and continentality

Altitude

air temperatures decrease with elevation

Adiabatic cooling

decrease in temperature due to expansion of air

Windward side

higher rainfall, plant growth more vigorous

Leeward side

lower rainfall, plant growth less vigorous

Evapotranspiration

collective return of moisture to air from evaporation and transpiration

Evapotranspiration depended on

temperature

Evapotranspiration limited by

solid moisture

Tundra

coldest biome, treeless expanse, permafrost

Boreal forest

taiga, evergreen needle leaved trees, short growing season, severe winters

Temperate rainforest

mild temperatures, abundant precipitation, dominated by evergreen forests

Temperate seasonal forest

moderate temperatures and precipitation conditions, dominated by deciduous trees

Woodland / shrubland

hot dry summers, mild wet winters, drought tolerant grasses and shrubs

Temperate grassland chractirized by

hot dry summers, cold harsh winter

Temperate grassland dominated by

grasses, nonwoody flowering plants, drought adapted shrubs

Tropical rainforest characterized by

warm and rainy climate, multiple layers of lush vegetation

tropical rainforest often has

high diversity and productivity, soils often low in nutrients

tropical seasonal forest characteristics

warm temps, pronounced wet and dry seasons