15.2 Climate Climate vs. Weather….what’ s the difference?
Dec 27, 2015
15.2 Climate
KEY CONCEPT Climate is a key abiotic factor that affects the biosphere.
Climate is the prevailing weather of a region.
Earth has three main climate zones.
15.2 ClimateClimate is the prevailing weather of a region.
Climate is the long-term pattern of weather conditions.average temperatureprecipitationrelative humidity
Key factors shape an area’s climate.temperaturesunlightwaterwind
15.2 Climate
Within a specific region, climate conditions vary. A microclimate is the climate of a small specific place within a larger area.Ex: a small hole in a decaying log where mushrooms growEx: City neighborhood
San Francisco-fog, cool temps
15.2 Climate
Earth has three main climate zones. Scientists use average temperature and precipitation levels to
categorize a region’s climate.The three main zones are the polar, tropical, and temperate climates.
polar climate: the far northernand southern regions ofEarth
tropical zone: surrounds the equator
temperate zone: the wide area in betweenthe polar and tropical zones
15.2 Climate
The angle of the Sun’s rays help determine an area’s climate.
temperatetemperate
polarpolar
tropicaltropical
temperatetemperate
polarpolar
90 N
15.2 Climate
Earth’s tilt on its axis plays a role in seasonal change.As Earth orbits the sun, areas receive varying amounts of sunlight
• Solar heating causes movements in both water and air.– wind– ocean currents
• Earth’s rotation also has effects on the winds and currents
15.2 Climate
• Landmasses shape inland climates. larger changes in temperatures
when compared to coastal areas
less precipitationOceans shape coastal climates.
smaller changes in temperatures
higher humiditymore precipitation
15.2 Climate
Mountains have an effect on climate.
western slope eastern slope
– Precipitation occurs on the side of the mountain facing the wind.– On the downwind side, drier and cooler air produce a rain
shadow.– A rain shadow is an area of decreased precipitation.
15.2 Climate
Many organisms survive in a specific climate due to their adaptations.Example: Water-holding frog lives in dry grasslands and deserts
of inland Australia (rainy season once a year). Dry periods can last 20 months or more. This frog burrows underground where water evaporates more slowly. They come out of their burrows to mate during the rainy season.