Equatorial Climate Lecture Notes

Flashcards about Equatorial Climates

What is a biome?

A large, naturally occurring community of distinctive plants and animals which have adapted to their respective climatic conditions.

Name the types of biomes.

Temperate grassland, Tropical grassland or Savannah, Tropical Rainforest, Taiga, Tundra and Hot Desert

Which biome is known for its grasses, few trees, and lack of significant rainfall?

Grassland/Savannah

Which biome is characterized by extremely low temperatures, permafrost, and a lack of trees?

Tundra

Which biome is characterized by cold winters, coniferous forests, and a moderate amount of precipitation?

Taiga

The Amazon Rainforest is an example of which biome?

Rainforest

Which biome is known for its hot and dry conditions, sparse vegetation and sand dunes?

Desert

Based on observation of the maps, what can be said about the tropical rainforest?

The tropical rainforest can be found wherever there is an equatorial climate

Definition of Equatorial Climate

A type of climate found near the equator, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year and abundant rainfall.

Where does the Equatorial type of climate occur?

Lowland areas within about 5-10 degrees of the equator.

What is a primary characteristic of Equatorial Climates regarding temperature?

Equatorial regions have consistently warm temperatures due to the sun's proximity to the equator.

What is a primary characteristic of Equatorial Climates regarding rainfall?

Equatorial regions receive heavy rainfall throughout the year, often in the form of daily afternoon showers.

Why is there low pressure at the equator?

The equatorial region is hotter due to solar heating at the equator which causes the air above expands becomes less dense and rises, producing a low pressure belt at this latitude.

What is convectional rainfall?

Rainfall that occurs when the sun’s energy heats the surface of the Earth, causing water to evaporate to form water vapor.

How do high temperatures and rainfall impact plant and animal life in equatorial regions?

Year-round high temperatures and abundant rainfall support plant growth all year round. More rainfall and warm temperatures also allow for a wide range of animal species

What is climate?

The average weather in a given area over a longer period of time.

What is a climograph?

A graphical representation of climate data for a specific location, including temperature variation, monthly precipitation, and months of the year.