Chapter 4 Ecosystems and the Physical Environment

Cycling of Materials Matter moves between ecosystems, environments, and organisms 5 major cycles: Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur and Water (hydrologic)

The Carbon Cycle

The Nitrogen Cycle

The Phosphorus Cycle

The Sulfur Cycle

The Water (Hydrologic) Cycle

Solar Radiation

Temperature Changes with Latitude Solar energy does not hit earth uniformly Due to earth’s spherical shape and tilt Equator (a) High concentration High Temperature Closer to Poles (c) Low concentration Low Temperature From (a) to (c) In diagram below

Temperature Changes with Season Seasons determined by earth’s tilt

The Atmosphere 21% O 78% N 1% Ar, CO2, Ne and He Shields earth from high energy radiation

Atmospheric Layers

Atmospheric Circulation Near Equator Warm air rises, cools and splits to flow towards the poles ~30° N & S sinks back to surface Air moves along surface back towards equator Moves heat from equator to the poles

Surface Winds Large winds due in part to pressures caused by global circulation of air High Low High Low High Winds blow from high to low pressure Regional differences in surface warming is the start of global air circulation patterns Warm air rises and holds more moisture (areas of high rainfall) Cool air sinks and is drier (areas where deserts form, 30°latitude north and south) Low High

Coriolis Effect Coriolis Effect Influence of the earth’s rotation on movement of air and fluids (water) Turns them Right in the Northern Hemisphere Turns them Left in the Southern Hemisphere Earth rotates from East to West Deflects wind from straight-line path

Coriolis Effect

Patterns of Ocean Circulation Prevailing winds produce ocean currents and generate gyres Pacific Gyre Circular pattern influenced by Coriolis effect Trade winds blow west Westerlies blow east This becomes important later when we talk about plastics in the ocean.

Patterns of Ocean Circulation Westerlies Trade winds

Vertical Mixing of Ocean

Surfers, Seals, and the Sea

Ocean Interaction with Atmosphere - ENSO El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Periodic large scale warming of surface waters of tropical E. Pacific Ocean Normal conditions westward blowing tradewinds keep warmest water in western Pacific ENSO conditions trade winds weaken and warm water expands eastward to South America Big effect on fishing industry and wildlife off South America

ENSO Climate Patterns

Weather and Climate Weather Climate The conditions in the atmosphere at a given place and time Temperature, precipitation, cloudiness, etc. Climate The average weather conditions that occur in a place over a period of years 2 most important factors: temperature and precipitation

Rain Shadows

Tropical Cyclone aka: hurricane, typhoon, cyclone Giant rotating tropical storms Wind > 119 km per hour Formation Strong winds pick up moisture over warm surface waters and starts to spin due to Earth’s rotation

Tsunami Giant undersea wave caused by an earthquake, volcanic eruption or landslide Travel > 450 mph Tsunami wave may be 1m deep in ocean Becomes 30.5m high on shore