Climate

Climate - Long term weather patterns of an area

The study of Earth’s Climate and the factors that affect past, present, and future climatic changes is called CLIMATOLOGY

Climate is not just averages it describes annual variations of:

Temperature Precipitation Wind Vegetation and Other Variables

Normals - 30yr average of monthly or annual data

Factors Affecting Climate

Latitude - temperatures decrease as distance from equator increases

Altitude - Temperature decreases as altitude increases

Air Masses - The characteristics of the air mass moving into the area affects climate

Proximity to Large Bodies of Water

Close to water, temperature is moderated far from water, temperature has large variation

Topographic Effect - Wet on the Windward Side of Mountains Dry on the Leeward side of Mountains

Koeppen Classification System - Climate classification system based on temperature, precipitation, as well as variations occurring in these two variables

Figure: 50.1 Caption: This map shows the distribution of the community types discussed in section 50.1, and the locations of the specific sites discussed.

Figure 50.2a Climate characteristics 40 Belém, Brazil Temperature (ºC) 30 Very low variation Average: HIGH 20 50 Variation: VERY LOW 40 30 Variation Precipitation (cm) Figure: 50.2a Caption: (a) This climograph illustrates the climate of coastal Brazil, typical of a wet tropical climate. Climographs have months on the x-axis and precipitation and temperature on the y-axes. The graph shows the average monthly temperature and precipitation for an area. 20 Annual total: HIGH 10 Variation: HIGH J F M A M J J A S O N D Month

Figure 50.2b Appearance Figure: 50.2b Caption: (b) Tropical wet forests are extremely species rich.

Figure 50.3 Dense, dry air descends, warms, and absorbs moisture Cooled air is pushed poleward 30ºN Dry Hadley cell Wet Equator Warm air rises and cools, dropping rain Figure: 50.3 Caption: A Hadley cell exists on both sides of the equator. Hadley cells are named after George Hadley, who conceived the idea of enormous air circulation patterns in 1735. Exercise: Draw in the Hadley cell on the southern side of the equator. Dry 30ºS Atmosphere (not to scale)

Figure 50.4a Climate characteristics 40 Yuma, Arizona Temperature (ºC) 30 Average: HIGH 20 Variation Variation: MODERATE 10 (Freezing) 20 Precipitation (cm) Figure: 50.4a Caption: (a) The climate of Yuma, Arizona, is typical of a subtropical desert. 10 Annual total: VERY LOW Variation: LOW J F M A M J J A S O N D Month

Figure 50.4b Appearance Figure 50.4b (b) Saguaro cacti are a prominent feature of the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Figure 50.6a Climate characteristics 40 Chicago, Illinois Temperature 30 Average: MODERATE 20 Variation: MODERATE 10 (Freezing) Figure: 50.6a Caption: (a) Climograph for Chicago, Illinois, typical of a mid-latitude cold and humid climate. 20 Precipitation (cm) 10 Annual total: MODERATE Variation: LOW J F M A M J J A S O N D Month

Figure 50.6b Appearance Figure 50.6b (b) Temperate forests are dominated by broad-leaved deciduous trees.

Figure 50.7a Climate characteristics 40 Dawson, Yukon, Canada Temperature (ºC) 30 Average: LOW 20 Variation: VERY HIGH 10 (Freezing) Precipitation (cm) Figure: 50.7a Caption: (a) Climograph for Dawson, Yukon territory, Canada, in the heart of the boreal forest. –10 20 Annual total: LOW –20 10 Variation: LOW –30 J F M A M J J A S O N D Month

Figure 50.7b Appearance Figure 50.7b (b) The boreal forest is dominated by needle-leaved evergreens like spruce and fir.