Climate Notes:
I. Climate and Biomes:
A. Climate:
- The average yearly rainfall and temperature in a given area.
B. Factors that affect temperature:
1. Latitude (Altitude)
- The measure of the distance north or south of the equator.
2. Elevation
- Is the distance above sea level.
- As the elevation increases the temperature decreases.
3. Ocean Currents
- A "river" of water that flows in a definite pattern.
- Can bring with it cold or hot air and water.
C. Factors that affect preciptiation:
1. Prevailing winds:
- A wind that blows more often from one direction.
- water to land = wet area
- land to water = dry area
2. Mountain Ranges:
- A mountain range serves as a barrier to stop rain clouds.
a. windward side - receives a great deal of precipitation
b. leeward side - side facing away from the wind gets very little precipitation.
D. Climate Zones
- Earth is dided into 3 areas based on overall temp and rainfall.
- microclimates - small areas within climate zones.
1. Polar Zones:
- From the north pole to about 60 degrees lattitude.
- average temp below freezing.
- There is little precipitation.
2. Temperate Zones:
- between 60 and 30 degrees latitude.
- warm in the summer and cold in the winter.
3. Tropical Zones:
- From 30 to 0 degrees latitude.
- Usually heavy amounts of rainfall.
- Temps the warmest of any zone.
A. Climate:
- The average yearly rainfall and temperature in a given area.
B. Factors that affect temperature:
1. Latitude (Altitude)
- The measure of the distance north or south of the equator.
2. Elevation
- Is the distance above sea level.
- As the elevation increases the temperature decreases.
3. Ocean Currents
- A "river" of water that flows in a definite pattern.
- Can bring with it cold or hot air and water.
C. Factors that affect preciptiation:
1. Prevailing winds:
- A wind that blows more often from one direction.
- water to land = wet area
- land to water = dry area
2. Mountain Ranges:
- A mountain range serves as a barrier to stop rain clouds.
a. windward side - receives a great deal of precipitation
b. leeward side - side facing away from the wind gets very little precipitation.
D. Climate Zones
- Earth is dided into 3 areas based on overall temp and rainfall.
- microclimates - small areas within climate zones.
1. Polar Zones:
- From the north pole to about 60 degrees lattitude.
- average temp below freezing.
- There is little precipitation.
2. Temperate Zones:
- between 60 and 30 degrees latitude.
- warm in the summer and cold in the winter.
3. Tropical Zones:
- From 30 to 0 degrees latitude.
- Usually heavy amounts of rainfall.
- Temps the warmest of any zone.