Earth's Climatic Regions

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Earth's Climatic Regions lecture.

Weather

Short-term atmospheric conditions including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and winds.

Climate

Average weather conditions over a long period of time; climate 'normals'.

Insolation

Incoming solar radiation that affects climate.

Latitude

Angular distance from the equator, affecting temperature and light.

Altitude

Height above sea level, influencing temperature and weather.

Convergent Lifting

A precipitation mechanism caused by air masses converging.

Convectional Lifting

A precipitation mechanism caused by intense heating of the Earth's surface.

Orographic Lifting

A precipitation mechanism caused by air rising over mountains.

Frontal Lifting

A precipitation mechanism occurring when two air masses converge.

ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone)

A region near the equator where trade winds meet, causing frequent rainfall.

Hadley Cells

Tropical atmospheric circulation that creates dry air in the subtropics.

Arid Climate

Characterized by low precipitation and high evaporation.

Semi-Arid Climate

Characterized by moderate rainfall, providing more moisture than arid climates.

Tropical Rainforest

A forest ecosystem characterized by high rainfall and biodiversity.

Tropical Monsoon

A climate characterized by seasonal winds and distinct wet and dry periods.

Tropical Savanna

A grassland ecosystem with seasonal rainfall and distinct wet/dry seasons.

Mesothermal Climate

Characterized by mild winters and significant seasonal temperature variation.

Microthermal Climate

Characterized by cold winters and varying summer temperatures.

Polar Climate

Climate characterized by extreme cold, little precipitation, and no true summer.

Highland Climate

Climate influenced by elevation, leading to varying temperatures and precipitation.

Genetic Climate Classifications

Classifications based on factors like net radiation and thermal regimes.

Empirical Climate Classifications

Classifications based on observed climate data like temperature and precipitation.

Tundra

A treeless region with a cold climate and permafrost.

Ice Cap

A large area covered in ice, typically below freezing year-round.

Desert Climate

Climate characterized by extremely low precipitation and high evaporation.

Tropical Climates Characteristics

Consistent insolation, no winters, rain determined by the ITCZ.

Orographic Effect

Weather phenomenon caused by mountains affecting precipitation patterns.