World Climate Patterns Ch. 3 Sec. 3

Climate Regions Geographers divide the Earth into regions that have similar climates. Each of these divisions has its own Characteristic soils and natural vegetation.

Climate Zones What are the three major climatic zones of the earth? Watch the following clip to identify the three zones of the earth and where they are located. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24jlwpSwox0&feature=player_detailpage

Climates Each of the five climate regions we will learn about in this chapter fit into one of these three zones. As we go through the material see if you can match the zone with its appropriate region.

The Tropics Tropical Climates are found in or near the low latitudes. Tropical Wet Average annual rainfall about 80” Hot year round Tropical Dry Dry winters, Wet summers Hot year round http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuk-JW-wng0&feature=player_detailpage

Dry Climates There are two types of dry climates which occur in low and mid latitudes Desert Rainfall of 10” or less/year Temperatures vary widely Steppe Borders Deserts 10-20 inches of rain/year

Midlatitude Climates – This climate experiences variable weather patterns and season changes that give rise to a variety of natural vegetation The Four Temperate Climate Regions Marine west coast climate Mediterranean Humid Subtropical Humid Continental

Midlatitude Climates Marine West Coast Climate Along western coasts Cool summers and cool damp winters Abundant rainfall Midlatitude Climates

Midlatitude Climates Mediterranean Mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers

Midlatitude Climates Humid Subtropical Found in Southeastern part of continents Short, mild winters Nearly year round rain/high humidity areas

Midlatitude Climates Humid Continental Northern Hemisphere More northeastern part of continents Severe snowy winters, shorter and cooler summers

High-Latitude Climates There are three high-latitude climates regions Subarctic Tundra Ice Cap – Freezing temperatures are common throughout the year because of the lack of direct sunlight. High-Latitude Climates

High-Latitude Climates Tundra Closer to the poles Winter darkness and bitter cold Last for several months Ice Cap Snow and ice often more than 2 miles thick Subarctic Just south of arctic circle Bitterly cold winters Short and cool summers Permafrost Permanently frozen sub soil

Highland Climates – High mountain areas, even along the Equator, share some of the same characteristics because of the thinning of atmosphere at high altitudes.

Something to Consider How does climate impact vegetation? To further understand the connection between climate and vegetation click on the link below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_THTbynoRA&feature=player_detailpage