Section 1 Earth-Sun Relationships Chapter 3 Section 1 Earth-Sun Relationships

Climate http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95TtXYjOEv4&feature=player_detailpage

Weather and Climate Climate & Weather They are part of our daily lives. Meteorologists study them both. But what is the difference between them? Climate & Weather

weather Condition of the atmosphere in one place during a short period of time; for example, a “cold, windy, wet day.”

climate Weather patterns typical for an area over a long period of time.

climate Climate is a significant factor in describing the geography of places on the earth. The climate of a place affects the way that people in an area live.

Geographic Theme What geographic themes apply to weather and climate? location place movement human environment interaction region

Weather and Climate It is sometimes said that “climate is what you expect, weather is what you get.” Write a few sentences explaining what this statement means.

Weather and Climate Both weather and climate are influenced by… direct sunlight.  ocean currents.  winds.  the features of the earth’s surface.

The Greenhouse Effect A small amount of the sun’s radiation reaches the earth’s atmosphere; however, enough remains to warm the earth’s land and water.  The earth’s atmosphere keeps heat from escaping back into space too quickly, creating a greenhouse effect, which traps the sun’s warmth for growing plants.  Without this greenhouse effect, the earth would be too cold for most living things.

axis Referring to the earth, an imaginary line that runs through its center between North Pole and the South Pole.

Earth’s Tilt and Rotation The earth has an axis that runs through its center between the North Pole and the South Pole.  Because the Earth’s axis is tilted at a 23½° angle, not all places on earth receive the same amount of direct sunlight.  The earth’s tilt affects the temperature of places.

temperature A measurement of how hot or cold something is, generally measured in degrees on a set scale, such as Farenheit.

Earth’s Tilt and Rotation The earth rotates, or spins, on its axis from west to east, making one complete rotation every 24 hours, and causing day and night.

revolution In astronomy, the earth’s yearly trip around the sun, taking 365 ¼ days.

Earth’s Revolution While rotating on its axis, the earth also travels in an orbit, or path, around the sun.  The earth’s revolution, which results in the changing of seasons and the amount of daylight.  The relationship between the earth and the sun affects climate regions around the world.

equinox One of two days (about March 21 and September 23) on which the sun is directly above the equator, making day and night equal in length.

solstice One of two days (about June 21 and December 22) on which the sun’s ray strike directly at latitude 23 ½ ° N (Topic of Cancer) or 23 ½ ° S (Topic of Capricorn), marking the beginning of summer or winter.

Earth’s Revolution The amount of sunlight at the poles varies most dramatically as the earth’s revolution and tilt cause the changing seasons.  For six months one Pole is slanted toward the sun, receiving continuous sunlight, while the other Pole is slanted away from the sun, receiving no sunlight.

Earth-Sun Relations To view this animation, click “View” and then “Slide Show” on the top navigation bar.

What Causes Earth's Seasons? a) Tilt and rotation b) Earths latitude zones c) Tilt and Revolution d) Earths latitude and Elevation

What angle is the earth’s axis tilted 23 ½ ° 33 1/2 ° 45 ½ ° 21 ½ °

What latitude is the Tropic of Cancer? Tropic of Capricorn? 23 ½ ° 33 1/2 ° 45 ½ ° 21 ½ °

Why does March 21 generally mark the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere? Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer Sun is directly over the tropic of Capricorn Sun is directly over the Equator That’s when the northern Hemisphere gets its most direct sunlight

What side of the mountain usually gets less rain Windward Eastern Leeward Western

Prevailing Winds called Westerlies blow which direction East

What do you call the day that marks the beginning of Summer Equinox Solstice Doldrum Coriolis