Climate Regions and Human-Environment Interaction

Effects on Climate Weather – changes in temperature, wind, air, etc. over a short period of time Climate – weather patterns in a particular area over many years. The sun’s rays do not hit the Earth evenly. So air and water help distribute the sun’s heat over the entire world.

Winds

Winds Warm air in the tropics move towards the colder poles. This creates prevailing winds, major wind systems that follow patterns that are similar over time. These prevailing winds begin to curve because of the planets rotation. Warm air (high pressure system) moves towards cooler air (low pressure systems). The air wants to reach an equilibrium.

Ocean Currents Currents – steady flowing streams of water in the world’s seas. Very similar to prevailing winds. Currents carry warm water to the higher latitudes. They then begin to fall when they begin to cool off.

Local Winds Local winds – winds patterns that are typical for a certain area. These are created by different landforms. Canyons winds, ocean winds

Mountains, Temperature, and Rainfall Rain shadow – mountains block rainfall from reaching other areas Warm, moist air rises to get over a mountain. As it does, it cools releasing its moisture as rain. The other side of the mountain is very dry. This is called the rain shadow. The rain shadow side of the mountain is very dry and hot.

Climate Zones Why do different parts of the world have similar climates? Give examples. Climate zones – similar patterns of temperature and precipitation These regions also have similar vegetation. Biomes – particular plants and animals that have adapted to a particular climate zone. Utah has three major climate zones Desert – 33% Highland – 24 % Steppe – 43%

Human-Environment Interaction: Air Pollution Smog – chemicals combined with the ozone. Mostly in major cities and can cause breathing problems. Acid Rain – chemicals combined with precipitation. Can kill animals and trees and eat away at buildings. CFCs – chloroflourocarbons. These are manmade chemicals that destroy the ozone layer. Many nations today are trying to outlaw CFCs. Which nation is not participating?

Greenhouse Effect So let’s debate! Greenhouse effect – gasses in the atmosphere trap the sun’s rays and warm the planet. This is a natural process, but most scientists (97.1% of them!) believe that human pollution is strengthening the effect. There is much debate over this issue… So let’s debate!

Lithosphere Deforestation – cutting down forests without replanting. Over farming a land and deforestation leads to the loss of the top soil. Crop Rotation – changing of what is planted each year to allow the soil to regenerate. This helps protect the topsoil.

How to save our planet Conservation – careful use of resources Protecting our ecosystems and biodiversity. Not using harmful pesticides of CFCs. What easy things can you do?