15.2 Climate

Climate vs. Weather….what’s the difference?

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.