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Laboratory Manual Chapter 14 Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe 109

Name Class Date

P R E P A R A T I O N

PROBLEMHow do climates differ from oneanother?

OBJECTIVES• Interpret climatic data on a world map.• Compare and contrast different

climates.

• Analyze the factors that make climates different.

MATERIALSworld map or globe

LAB MAPPING14.2

Classifying Climates

Avariety of factors influence the climate of an area, including latitude, topography,closeness to a lake or an ocean, availability of moisture, global wind patterns, and

air masses. These various factors cause Earth’s climates to range from scorching desertsto tropical rain forests to ice-covered polar regions. In general, climates are classified bynatural vegetation and average monthly values for temperature and precipitation.

80°

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Tropical climatesTropical wetTropical wet and dry

Mild climatesMarine west coastMediterraneanHumid subtropical

Dry climatesSemiaridArid

Continental climatesWarm summerCool summerSubarctic

Polar climatesTundraIce cap

High elevationHighlandsUplands

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110 Chapter 14 Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Laboratory Manual

LAB MAPPING14.2

P R O C E D U R E

D A T A A N D O B S E R V A T I O N S

1. Carefully study the figure on the previouspage. Note the latitudes and longitudes.Locate your area on the map to orientyourself. Compare the figure to a world mapor globe that includes the names of countries.

You will need both maps to answer thequestions on the next page.

2. Study the table below, which briefly describesthe various types of climates included in thefigure.

Type of Climate Description Defining Characteristics

Tropical climates Tropical wet High temperatures year-roundHigh rates of precipitation

Tropical wet and dry High temperatures year-roundWet summers, dry winters

Mild climates Marine west coast Cool summers, mild wintersAbundant precipitation

Mediterranean Warm summers, mild wintersModerate precipitation

Humid subtropical Wet, warm summersDry, cool winters

Dry climates Semiarid Scarce vegetationLittle precipitation

Arid Very scarce vegetationVery little precipitation

Continental climates Warm summer Warm summers, relatively cold wintersModerate precipitation

Cool summer Cool summers, relatively cold wintersModerate precipitation

Subarctic Cold summers, cold wintersModerate precipitation

Polar climates Tundra Cold year-roundScarce vegetation

Ice cap Very cold year-roundNo vegetation

High elevation Highlands Variation of polar climate on mountains

Uplands Variation of polar climate on high plateaus

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Laboratory Manual Chapter 14 Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe 111

A N A LY Z E

1. What is the climate of your area? Use the table to describe your climate.

2. What country is located at 25!N, 20!E? Describe the climate of this country.

3. In terms of latitude, where are most tropical wet climates located?

4. Study the locations of marine west coast and mediterranean climates. What factor appears to have the most influence on these climates?

5. Compare and contrast the climates of the west and east coasts of Nicaragua.

6. Clashes between air masses can cause extreme variations in temperature. In the United States,which climate types appear to be most affected by air masses? Explain your answer.

LAB MAPPING14.2

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112 Chapter 14 Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Laboratory Manual

LAB MAPPING14.2

C O N C L U D E A N D A P P LY

1. How do climates differ on either side of the Rocky Mountains in the northwest United States? What can you infer about the influence of the mountains on climate?

2. Which part of Australia would be best suited for growing crops that need plenty of moisture and mild temperatures year-round? Why?

3. South America and Africa do not extend to the poles, yet parts of these continents experience polarlike climates. Why?