APES: Weather Climate Biomes

What determines the type of biome in an area?

Plants that live there

Weather

current atmospheric conditions; short-term

ex. temp, wind, cloud cover humidity

Climate

average weather; long-term

ex. hot, cold, dry

top 4 gases in the dry sea level troposphere

nitrogen

oxygen

argon

carbon dioxide

nitrogen

^78%

oxygen

21%

argon

0.95%

carbon dioxide

0.04%

Layers of the atmosphere

exosphere

thermosphere

mesosphere

stratosphere

troposphere

stratosphere

ozone layer

troposphere

weather and greenhouse effect

explain how a cold front can cause rain

cold air is dense so as it advances it pushes air ahead of it upward. this rising air expands and cools causing water to condense leading to rain

major characteristics of biomes 

precipitation, location, vegetation

Which region of earth receives the highest angle of incidence (most intense amount) from the sun?

equatorial regions

Earth's seasons are primarily caused by

the tilt of the earth on its axis

After sunrise, air in the equatorial regions persistently ____ as the day progresses.

rises

The air masses near 30 degrees N and 30 degrees S persistently

sink

The air masses near 60 degrees N and 60 degrees S persistently

rise

The prevailing horizontal wind direction between the equator and 30 degrees N is

NE--these are the northeast trade winds

The prevailing horizontal wind direction between 30 degrees N and 60 degrees N is

SW--these are the westerlies

The prevailing horizontal wind direction between 5 degrees N and 5 degrees S is

there is relatively little horizontal wind movement in these latitudes--this is the ITCZ or the doldrums

In their 1986 song "Perfect Water", Blue Oyster Cult mentions "the warm gulf stream". The Gulf Stream is an ocean current in the northern hemisphere. Based on this information, which direction is the gulf stream flowing?

north

Which of these is a part of an El Nino pattern?

higher snow potential for Clemmons

In the image below, assume the wind/air moves from left to right. What is happening at point 2?

air is rising and clouds are forming

In the image below, assume the wind/air moves from left to right. What is happening between the peak of the mountain and point 4?

air is sinking and clouds are absent

Which area probably receives the most precipitation?

2

Mangoes do not generally grow north of the southern portion of Florida. Decades ago, however, the rare and elusive Merritt Island Saigon variety was discovered growing on Merritt Island north of the typical range of the mango. Considering the image below of Merritt Island, propose a reason why the mango has survived there.

moderation by water

The image below is the Aral Sea in central Asia in 1989 (left) and 2014 (right). It has lost about 90% of its volume. What impact has this likely had on the local climate?

hotter summers and colder winters

In a low-pressure system, how does air move vertically and horizontally, and what weather does it bring?

Air rises vertically and moves inward horizontally, creating clouds and stormy, wet weather.

In a high-pressure system, how does air move vertically and horizontally, and what weather does it bring?

Air sinks vertically and moves outward horizontally, creating clear, calm, and dry weather.

How does humidity affect human comfort?

High humidity slows sweat evaporation, making it feel hotter. Low humidity allows evaporation, making it feel cooler.

How does the curvature of Earth cause uneven heating?

The curved surface causes sunlight to hit the equator directly and the poles at an angle, making the equator warmer.

How does the tilt of Earth’s axis cause the seasons?

Earth’s 23.5° tilt changes which hemisphere faces the Sun during its orbit, causing seasonal changes in sunlight and temperature.

What are circulation cells, and what is their role in climate?

Large loops of moving air (Hadley, Ferrel, Polar cells) that transfer heat and create global wind patterns and climate zones.

What are the three main types of circulation cells?

Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells.

What are the main prevailing winds and where are they found?

• Trade Winds: 0°–30° N/S, blow east to west

• Westerlies: 30°–60° N/S, blow west to east

• Polar Easterlies: 60°–90° N/S, blow east to west

How do solar intensity cycles affect climate?

The Sun’s energy output changes over time, slightly influencing global temperatures and weather patterns

What is the role of ocean currents in global climate?

They transport heat—warm currents move away from the equator, cold currents move toward it—affecting coastal temperatures

What is upwelling?

The rising of cold, nutrient-rich water from deep below the surface, which supports marine life.

What is the thermocline?

The boundary layer that separates warm surface water from cold deep water.

What happens off South America’s coast during El Niño?

Trade winds weaken, warm water moves east, the thermocline lowers, upwelling stops, and global weather becomes warmer/wetter.

What happens off South America’s coast during La Niña?

Trade winds strengthen, upwelling increases, surface water cools, and weather becomes drier and cooler in some regions.

What is the rainshadow effect?

Moist air drops rain on the windward side of mountains, leaving the leeward side dry (desert-like).

What causes an urban heat island (UHI)?

Buildings and pavement absorb heat, and lack of vegetation reduces cooling—making cities warmer than nearby rural areas.

Why are southern mountain slopes sunnier and warmer in the Northern Hemisphere?

They face the Sun more directly, so they get more sunlight, making them warmer and drier.

How do bodies of water influence weather and climate?

Water heats and cools slowly, moderating nearby land temperatures—cooler summers, warmer winters.

What are the main characteristics of the tundra biome?

Cold, dry, with permafrost and little vegetation.

What are the main characteristics of the tropical rainforest biome?

Hot, wet year-round, with the most biodiversity.

How do latitude and altitude affect climate?

Higher latitude or higher altitude = colder temperatures and lower biodiversity.

What are the main climate zones by latitude?

• Tropics: 0°–30° N/S → hot, humid

• Temperate: 30°–60° N/S → moderate

• Polar: 60°–90° N/S → cold, icy