Climate & Climate Regions 7.3 How do scientists differentiate b/w weather and climate? SC.6.E.7.6 What natural factors can cause climate change? SC.6.E.7.4, SC.6.E.7.6, LA.6.2.2.3, MA.6.A.3.6

How do scientists differentiate between WEATHER & CLIMATE? Refers to the conditions of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place Refers to the typical weather pattern over a long period of time 2 major factors used in determining CLIMATE Precipitation Temperature

Reading Climate Graphs: A graph of temperature can be combined with a graph of precipitation to form a climate graph. The graphs below show climate data for Makindu, Kenya.

Tropical Rainy Climates Rain forests—forests where large amounts of rain fall year-round Savannas—tropical grasslands—can be found in Tropical Rainy climates that have distinct dry and rainy seasons.

Dry Climates Deserts—very dry regions with extreme temperatures. Steppes—generally dry areas receiving enough rainfall for short grasses and low bushes to form. Great Plains in the United States.

Temperate Continental Climates Not influenced much by oceans Subarctic—lie north of some continental climates—Fir and spruce forests often grow here.

Temperate Marine Climate Usually found along coasts that are in latitudes just outside of the tropics. Humid Subtropical—temperate marine climates that are wet and warm, but not as constantly hot as the tropics Most of Florida is Humid Subtropical

Polar Climates The coldest climates Tundra—treeless plains beneath which the ground may always be frozen Permafrost—permanently frozen ground Climate Video Clip

Highlands Found on lower slopes of mountains, like Rocky Mountains. Temperatures are lower and precipitation increases. Spruce and fir trees Climate is cooler

What Natural Factors can cause Climate Change? Movement of continents Super continent called Pangea, theory was based on a German Scientist, Alfred Wagner. Earth’s position and Ice Ages Orbit around the sun changes and impact climate of the earth. The angle of the earth, and ice ages…20 in the last 2 million years. Volcanic activity Eruptions release huge quantities of ash, also called aerosols, which are solid or liquid particles. Solar Energy Sunspots darker regions on the surface of the sun increases as more light is given off.