Ch. 9 L. 2 - Climate of the West

Death Valley

A desert in southern California known for having the most extreme heat.

Temperature extremes

Temperatures often rise to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in Death Valley during summer.

Hottest temperature recorded

134 degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth, occurred in Death Valley.

Tundra

A level, frozen area in the far north where temperatures are so cold that trees cannot grow.

Alaska tundra

An area with extremely cold winter temperatures.

Tropical climate

A climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, such as that of Hawaii.

Average high temperature in Hawaii

About 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Average low temperature in Hawaii

About 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tropical rain forests

Forests filled with plants and flowers that grow on some of Hawaii's islands.

Rainfall in Death Valley

It had a two-year period when no precipitation fell.

Mount Waialeale

Receives about 650 inches of rain in an average year, making it one of the wettest places on Earth.

Rain Shadow Effect

Occurs when warm moist air from the Pacific forms clouds, which cool and lose moisture as they rise over mountains.

Eastern side of the Cascades

Receives less rain due to being in the rain shadow.

Desert animal adaptations

Desert animals in Death Valley have unique survival strategies for extreme heat.

Nocturnal animals

Animals that are only active at night.

Arctic fox

An Alaskan mammal that has a white coat in winter for camouflage, turning reddish brown in summer.

Camouflage in wildlife

Helps the arctic fox sneak up on its prey without being seen.

Hawaiian honey-creepers

Colorful birds found in tropical rain forests that feed on various natural sources.