Earth Science 21 BJU 5th ed

Temperate Continental (Climate)

This climate is found in the middle of large continents, far from the ocean. Because it's inland, temperatures can change a lot between seasons. Winters are usually cold and snowy, while summers are warm or even hot. Rainfall varies but is usually moderate to low. Examples of places with this climate include much of the central United States and parts of Eastern Europe and Asia.

Polar (Climate)

This climate is the coldest on Earth and is found near the North and South Poles. Winters are long, dark, and freezing, while summers are very short and chilly. There is very little precipitation, and what does fall usually comes as snow. The ground may be frozen all year (permafrost), and very few plants grow there. Antarctica and the Arctic are good examples this climates.

Temperate Marine (Climate)

This climate happens in coastal areas near oceans, where water helps keep the temperatures from getting too hot or too cold. Winters are cool but not too cold, and summers are mild or warm. It often rains throughout the year. Examples of this climate include the Pacific Northwest in the United States and parts of Western Europe, like the United Kingdom.

Tropical Rainy (Climate)

Found near the equator, this climate is hot all year round with lots of rain. Some areas have rain almost every day, while others have a rainy season and a short dry season. Rainforests grow in these areas, and the air is usually very humid. Countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and the Congo have this type of climate.

Dry (Climate)

This climate gets very little rainfall, and water is often scarce. There are two main types

Highlands (Climate)

This climate exists in mountain regions and changes depending on elevation. The higher up you go, the cooler it gets. Even in tropical or warm areas, mountaintops can be cold or even snowy. Because of this, this climate can include many different conditions in a small area. Examples include the Andes Mountains in South America and the Himalayas in Asia.

Global warming

The gradual increase in Earth's average temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

A climate pattern involving changes in ocean temperatures in the Pacific that affect weather worldwide.

Greenhouse hypothesis

The idea that gases like carbon dioxide trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the Earth.

Conservation

Protecting and using natural resources wisely to prevent waste and preserve them for the future.

Climate

The average weather conditions of a region over a long period of time.

Season

A period of the year marked by specific weather conditions, caused by Earth's tilt and orbit around the Sun.

Climate zone

A region with similar patterns of temperature, precipitation, and weather over time.