METEOROLOGY 2015 EVENT OVERVIEW FIRST-LET’S DO AN ACTIVITY!

Variations in Climate Let’s begin by describing the ‘climates’ you will likely find in each of the rounded circles shown on the next slide. Write your description in the space on the worksheet provided. Feel free to discuss with a buddy or friend. Your description should take into account latitude/longitude, vegetation/physical relief, proximity to water, etc. Describe seasonal climates such as ‘cold winters, warm summers with lots of precipitation year-round,’ ‘warm summers with little rain, cool wet winters,’ etc. Be sure to ’name’ each climate

CLIMATE VARIATIONS Mountain Climate Desert Climate Tropical Climate Marine West Coast Climate Humid Continental Climate Wide variations in temperature and precipitation due to elevation Less than 10” of rainfall annually. High variances in daily high/low temperatures common Temperatures over 75° year round with high rainfall amounts Temperature range usually 45-75° year round with abundant precipitation Hot summers and cold winters with high humidity and precipitation year-round

CLIMATE CONCEPTS The difference between weather and climate ‘Weather’ refers to the daily variations in the meteorological activities of a region. ‘Climate’ refers to established patterns of meteorological activities in a region.

CLIMATE CONCEPTS Climate is influenced by several factors including: Locational latitude Elevation and relative location to mountains Proximity to large bodies of water Anthropogenic activities Variations in solar activity and Earth orbital patterns

CLIMATE CONCEPTS In studying the climate features of a region, you want students to be able to: Use prior background knowledge and familiar associations to develop a preliminary description of its climate Identify the key factors which may be influencing its climate patterns and use scientific concepts and principles to justify their descriptions

METEOROLOGY 2015 EVENT OVERVIEW

Presented by: Mark A. VanHecke NSO Earth-Space Science Event Co-Chair East China, MI

Disclaimer This presentation was prepared in July 2014 using draft rules. There may be changes to event rules prior to publication. Be sure to refer to the current year’s Official Science Olympiad Rule Book for the final draft of the event rules.

2015 Event Overview This year’s Meteorology event focus will be Climate –The difference between weather and climate –Solar radiation and Earth’s energy balance –Climate zones

2015 Event Overview –Oceanic and atmospheric circulation –Natural climactic variations –Anthropogenic effects on climate

Variations in Climate Studying local variations in climate within your own state is a great way to introduce this concept.

VARIATIONS IN LOCAL CLIMATE Let’s look at local climate variations in four Michigan cities located in the ‘Lower’ Peninsula East China Lansing Grand Haven Gaylord

VARIATIONS IN LOCAL CLIMATE Working in groups of 2-4, use the tables shown on your Activity Sheet to briefly describe the local climates of each of these four Michigan cities.

VARIATIONS IN LOCAL CLIMATE EAST CHINA, MI FACTORS AFFECTING CLIMATE Locational Latitude Solar Activity Elevation Proximity to large bodies of water Anthropogenic Activities X X X

VARIATIONS IN LOCAL CLIMATE LANSING, MI FACTORS AFFECTING CLIMATE Locational Latitude Solar Activity Elevation Proximity to large bodies of water Anthropogenic Activities X X X

VARIATIONS IN LOCAL CLIMATE GRAND HAVEN, MI FACTORS AFFECTING CLIMATE Locational Latitude Solar Activity Elevation Proximity to large bodies of water Anthropogenic Activities X X

VARIATIONS IN LOCAL CLIMATE GAYLORD, MI FACTORS AFFECTING CLIMATE Locational Latitude Solar Activity Elevation Proximity to large bodies of water Anthropogenic Activities X X X

FIND THE BEST.COM

Conclusion Use familiar associations to develop background knowledge and key event topics Begin with a study of factors affecting climate in their own state and communities Develop key event topics individually, then bring concepts together Avoid political discussions of climate and climate change. You want to develop scientific literacy in your students