Climate & Biomes DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): SL

These flashcards cover key concepts about climate, biomes, and atmospheric circulation based on the lecture notes.

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Weather refers to the current state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, while climate refers to the long-term average of weather conditions over approximately 30 years or more.

What factors influence climate?

Climate is influenced by solar radiation, atmospheric circulation patterns, ocean currents, land features, and greenhouse gas concentrations.

What are biomes?

A biome is a group of similar ecosystems developed under similar climatic conditions, characterized by dominant vegetation, climate, and other abiotic factors.

List the major types of biomes.

The major types of biomes include freshwater, marine, forest, grassland, desert, and tundra biomes.

What is an example of a limiting factor in biomes?

In the desert biome, water is a limiting factor for plant growth.

What climate characteristics define tundra biomes?

Tundra biomes are characterized by low temperatures, permafrost, and limited precipitation.

How does temperature and precipitation affect biomes?

Temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis and respiration in plants, while precipitation affects the availability of water, a key limiting factor for many biomes.

What is the significance of the tricellular model of atmospheric circulation?

The tricellular model describes the movement of air in three cells (Hadley, Ferrel, Polar) that influence global weather patterns and the distribution of biomes.

What happens to biomes as global temperatures rise due to climate change?

As temperatures rise, the boundaries between biomes shift, with warmer biomes expanding and colder biomes contracting.

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Ocean currents redistribute heat absorbed by oceans, moderating temperature extremes and influencing regional climates and marine ecosystems.