exam 3 pt 3 (global climate patterns -> rain shadow)

global climate patterns are largely determined by what?

solar energy + the planet’s movement in space

________ intensity plays a major part in determining the earth’s climate patterns

sunlight

more heat + light per unit of surface area reach the _______ than the high latitudes

tropics

why is there more sunlight/heat in the tropics?

the sun shines more directly on the equatorial line

seasonal variations of light and temperature increase steadily toward the poles because of what?

the earth’s tilt

in the tropics, the sun shines directly on the equator which gives them more sun/heat. how does this influence rain patterns?

A) the earth’s surface in that region warms the air

B) hot air rises. as the hot air rises, it holds moisture.

C) as it continues to rise, it cools with increasing altitude

D) the cool air condenses and falls back down to earth

why doesn’t cool air rise and fall directly back down to earth?

A) warm air comes from below and pushes the cool air out of the way in a cyclic motion

B) as the cool air cycles back down, it returns to earth as dry air which will suck up moisture from the earth’s surface before it gets warmed by the earth’s surface all over again

warm, wet air flows from the tropics toward the _______

poles

what winds blow at the tropics?

trade winds/easterlies

← they blow from the east

what winds blow from the west? →

westerlies

proximity to bodies of water + topographic features can contribute to _____ variations in climate

local

being in proximity to bodies of water do what to the climate of nearby terrestrial environments?

moderate/regulate the climate

the gulf stream carries warm water from the ________ to the north atlantic

equator

how does proximity to bodies of water create wind patterns during the day?

A) at the shore line, heat is rising and pushing out toward the water in a cyclic motion

B) cool air returns as breeze, making a cycle of hot and cold air

how does proximity to bodies of water create wind patterns at night?

A) as cool air sinks onto the shore line, it pushes cool air toward the water

B) as cool air pushes toward the water, the hot air from the water during the day rises and creates a cyclic motion of cold air pushing hot air

mountains can affects what qualities?

the amount of sunlight reaching an area

local temperature

rainfall

rain shadow

the leeward side of the mountain where no moisture is left

rising air releases moisture on the ________ side of a mountain and creates a “rain shadow” as it absorbs moisture on the ____________ side

windward; leeward

A) air moving across a landscape will pick up moisture

B) the air goes up, over the mountain where it will cool and fall back down (windward)

C) as the air moves down the back side of the mountain, there is no moisture left where it will be dry (leeward)