Studied by 9 people
Climate
The long-term pattern of weather conditions in a specific region, including temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other factors. It can be influenced by natural processes, such as volcanic eruptions and solar radiation, as well as human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Weather
The state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and cloud cover.
Climate varies among regions primarily because over long periods of time…
global air circulation + ocean currents distribute heat and precipitation unevenly
Three major factors that affect global air circulation
Uneven heating of the earth’s surface by the sun
Earth is rotating on its axis
Air, land, and water heat at different rates
Uneven heating of the earth’s surface by the sun
Solar energy strikes Earth at the most direct angle near equator
At poles, same amount of energy spread over larger surface area
Earth is rotating on its axis
It makes air move in weird ways
Coriolis effect
an apparent deflection caused by the rotation of the earth
major driver of large scale air and ocean circulation
Air, water, and land heat at different rates
Heat flows from hot area to cold area
Hot air rises (think hot air balloon)
Water is resistant to temperature change
On a local scale: sea breezes
On a regional scale: temperature fluctuates less by a body of water (keeps coastal areas cooler)
Hadley (Convection) Cell
a system of circular fluid motion driven by density differences created by uneven heating
Earth has 6 major atmospheric convection cells
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
zone of clouds and storms near the equator where trade winds meet
Earth’s rotation
→ air is deflected over different parts of the earth (Coriolis effect) → global patterns of prevailing winds → distribute heat and moisture in the troposphere → uneven distribution of heat and moisture over the planets surface → different climates in different places → forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra, etc. → biomes
If heat rises, why are mountains so cold?
Altitude ↑ Temperature ↓
Altitude and topography matters
When surface winds interact with geographical features such as mountains, air is forced into higher altitudes
temperature ↓, precipitation
Orographic precipitation
Occurs when moist air is forced to rise over elevated terrain, such as mountains. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and eventually leading to precipitation. This process is similar to how air cools when it rises and forms clouds in a hot air balloon. So, orographic precipitation is like rain or snow that happens when air is forced to go up over mountains.
Tropical Desert Biome
Hot and dry climate
Sparse vegetation
Cacti and succulents
Low rainfall
High temperatures
Adapted plants and animals
Temperate Desert Biome
Hot summers and cold winters
Low precipitation
Sparse vegetation
Drought-resistant shrubs and cacti
Animals adapted to extreme temperature fluctuations and water scarcity
Examples: Mojave Desert (North America), Gobi Desert (Asia)
Cold Desert Biome
Extreme cold temperatures
Low precipitation
Found in polar regions and high altitudes
Sparse vegetation
Adapted wildlife
Chaparral/Mediteranean Biome
Characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
Found in regions with a Mediterranean climate
Drought-resistant plants, including shrubs and small trees, are common
Plants have adaptations to survive periodic fires
Known for unique biodiversity and ecological significance
Tropical Grassland (Savanna) Biome
A biome characterized by grasses and scattered trees.
Has distinct wet and dry seasons.
Found in Africa, South America, and Australia.
Home to a variety of large herbivores, such as zebras and giraffes.
Fires are common and play a crucial role in maintaining the grassland ecosystem.
Temperate (Deciduous) Forest Biome
Moderate temperatures and distinct seasons
Abundant rainfall
Deciduous trees that lose their leaves in winter
Diverse plant and animal species
Temperate Grassland (Praire) Biome
Biome characterized by vast, flat or rolling grasslands
Few trees, moderate temperatures, and distinct seasons
Home to a variety of grasses and herbivores
Examples of animals include bison and prairie dogs
Fires and grazing are important for maintaining the grassland ecosystem
Cold grassland (Tundra) Biome
Freezing temperatures and little precipitation
Low-growing vegetation
Found near the Arctic and Antarctic circles
Supports hardy plants like mosses, lichens, and small shrubs
Home to animals like reindeer, polar bears, and arctic foxes
Soil is permanently frozen (permafrost)
Vulnerable to climate change
Tropical Rainforest Biome
Found near the equator
High temperatures and abundant rainfall
Diverse plant and animal species
Tall trees and dense vegetation
Complex food webs
Regulates global climate
Provides ecosystem services
Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome
Four distinct seasons
Moderate temperatures
Abundant rainfall
Variety of deciduous trees
Trees shed leaves in the fall
Common tree species include oak, maple, and beech
Cold Forest (Taiga/Boreal/Evergeen/Northern Coniferous) Biome
Found in high-latitude regions.
Long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
Dominated by coniferous trees.
Home to animals like moose, wolves, bears, and lynx, as well as birds like owls and woodpeckers.
Provides timber resources, helps regulate global climate, and supports unique biodiversity adapted to cold conditions.
Temperate Rainforest (Coastal Coniferous) Biome
Found in coastal regions with high rainfall and moderate temperatures
Dominated by tall coniferous trees like spruce, fir, and cedar
Abundant mosses, ferns, and lichens on the forest floor
Home to diverse wildlife including bears, deer, and owls
Important for carbon storage and providing clean air and water
Which biome has deciduous trees (which loose their leaves)?
Temperate/Deciduous Forest
Which biome is the most populated by humans?
Chaparral/Mediterranean
What biome is affected most by humans and development?
Chaparral/Mediterranean
Which biome has permafrost?
Tundra/Polar Grassland
Which biome has coniferous trees (which don't lose their leaves)?
Taiga (Cold Forest/Boreal/Evergeen/Northern Coniferous)
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