Applied Ecology ~ The Physical Environment

Weather

Short‑term atmospheric conditions at a specific place and time.

Climate

Long‑term average pattern of weather at local, regional, or global scales.

Net Radiation

Incoming solar radiation minus outgoing terrestrial radiation.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that absorb longwave radiation and warm Earth (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, H₂O, O₃).

Albedo

Reflectivity of a surface; higher albedo = more solar radiation reflected.

Seasonality

Variation in temperature and day length throughout the year due to Earth's tilt.

Biome

Large geographic area defined by characteristic climate and vegetation.

Global Climate Drivers

Solar radiation, greenhouse gases, albedo, Earth's tilt and rotation.

Regional Climate Drivers

Land-water distribution, topography, continentality, maritime influence.

Local Climate Drivers

Microclimates shaped by slope, vegetation, wind, and moisture.

Shortwave Radiation

High‑energy solar radiation reaching Earth.

Longwave Radiation

Lower‑energy heat emitted by Earth's surface.

Greenhouse Effect

Warming caused by greenhouse gases absorbing longwave radiation.

Anthropogenic CO2 Sources

Fossil fuel burning, deforestation, industrial processes.

Methane Sources

Animal agriculture, landfills, fossil fuel extraction, melting permafrost.

ITCZ

Intertropical Convergence Zone; drives rainy seasons and monsoons.

Continentality

Greater seasonal temperature variation inland.

Maritime Influence

Moderated temperatures and higher precipitation near coasts.

Rain Shadow

Dry conditions on leeward side of mountains due to descending air.

Microclimate

Small‑scale climate variation experienced by organisms.

Terrestrial Biomes

Tropical forest, savanna, desert, grassland, shrubland, temperate forest, taiga, tundra.

Aquatic Biomes

Lakes, rivers, coral reefs, mangroves, salt marshes, estuaries, kelp forests, open ocean.

Anthropogenic Biomes

Dense settlements, villages, croplands, rangelands, forested, wildlands.