The Atmosphere, Weather, and Climate SNC2D

The Spheres of Earth Earth’s biosphere is the thin layer of the Earth that is able to support life.

The Spheres of Earth Earth’s biosphere is the thin layer of the Earth that is able to support life. It consists of the: hydrosphere: the water hydrosphere: the water lithosphere: the rock (the crust) lithosphere: the rock (the crust) atmosphere: the gas atmosphere: the gas

The Composition of the Atmosphere The atmosphere is approximately:

The Composition of the Atmosphere The atmosphere is approximately: 78% nitrogen gas 78% nitrogen gas 21% oxygen gas 21% oxygen gas 1% other gases 1% other gases (argon, carbon dioxide, etc.)

The Composition of the Atmosphere The atmosphere is approximately: 78% nitrogen gas 78% nitrogen gas 21% oxygen gas 21% oxygen gas 1% other gases 1% other gases (argon, carbon dioxide, etc.) and atmospheric dust particles, both abiotic (e.g. soot) and biotic (microorganisms)

The Layers of the Atmosphere The atmosphere can be divided into layers:

The Layers of the Atmosphere The atmosphere can be divided into layers:

The Layers of the Atmosphere The atmosphere can be divided into layers:

The Layers of the Atmosphere The atmosphere can be divided into layers:

The Layers of the Atmosphere The atmosphere can be divided into layers:

The Layers of the Atmosphere The atmosphere can be divided into layers: The edge of space above the thermosphere is often referred to as the exosphere.

Weather vs. Climate Weather is the environmental conditions (temperature, precipitation, etc.) occurring at a particular place at a particular time. Climate is the average weather conditions over a long period of time (years).

Climate factors: The 4 main factors affecting an area’s climate are:

Climate factors: The 4 main factors affecting an area’s climate are: Latitude Latitude

Climate factors: The 4 main factors affecting an area’s climate are: Latitude Latitude Elevation Elevation

Climate factors: The 4 main factors affecting an area’s climate are: Latitude Latitude Elevation Elevation Air masses that flow Air masses that flow over the area

Climate factors: The 4 main factors affecting an area’s climate are: Latitude Latitude Elevation Elevation Air masses that flow over the area Air masses that flow over the area Nearness to large bodies of water Nearness to large bodies of water

Biomes A biome is a large geographical region with a defined range of temperature and precipitation – its climate.

Biomes

Biomes Each biome is characterized by the plant (and animal) life that is adapted to it. E.g. the cold, dry tundra is characterized by its lichens, mosses, and sedges.

Biomes Canada’s terrestrial biomes are:

Biomes

Biomes

Biomes

Biomes

Climatographs The climate of any particular area can be analyzed using climatographs:

Toronto’s Climate We will be using climatographs to analyze how Toronto’s climate has changed from 1840 – 1859 to 1971 – p. 270 – 271 Inquiry Activity: “Toronto, Then and Now”