Climate – weather conditions at one location over a long period of time. Weather – atmospheric conditions at a particular location and time.

Seasons Earth is tilted at 23.5 degree angle. The earth revolves around the sun every year. (364 ¼ days) Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn mark the farthest northern & southern points the sun is directly overhead at 12 pm. Equinox- twice a year, the days and nights throughout the world are equal in length; begins in fall and spring. BNSC - Earth and MoonBNSC - Earth and Moon Earth’s rotation bin/Earth/action?opt=-phttp:// bin/Earth/action?opt=-p Look at the location of the sun right now.

Greenhouse Effect 1. Earth receives energy from the sun = solar radiation 2. Earth’s surface absorbs solar energy, then releases it back to space as infrared radiation (IR). 3. Some of the IR radiation emitted by the earth is unable to escape back into space. 4. The trapped IR radiation returns to the earth as heat. BBC - Weather Centre - Climate Change - Greenhouse EffectBBC - Weather Centre - Climate Change - Greenhouse Effect Watch the greenhouse effect in action Greenhouse Effect - animated diagram

What is Global Warming? Global Warming YES! 1. The three main gases that trap IR radiation on earth; 1. Carbon dioxide – CO2 2. Methane – CH4 3. Water – H20 2. The earth’s temperature has been steadily rising since mid 1900s due to human consumption. 3. USA & Australia are the only 2 countries that have not agreed to the Kyoto Protocol. Global Warming NO! 1. The earth’s temperature goes through recurring cycles of warming and cooling trends. 2. Data is inconclusive regarding. 3. Rather than being “made” by an outside agency to reduce greenhouse gases, President Bush developed a plan where industries could “voluntarily” cut gases by 4.5% by 2010.

Global Wind Currents 1. Wind, ocean currents help distribute the sun’s heat worldwide. 2. Convection is the upward motion of air that transfers heat into the atmosphere. 3. Coriolis Effect – the bending of winds due to the earth’s rotation. 4. Ocean currents resemble rivers flowing in the ocean. 5. Warm water flows from the equator toward the poles, while cold, polar water flows toward the equator.

Types of Precipitation Typical of hot climates, convection occurs after morning sunshine heats warm moist air. Clouds form in the afternoon and rain falls. Mid-latitude frontal storms feature cold dense air masses that push lighter warm air masses upward causing precipitation to form. Associated with mountain areas, orographic storms drop more rain on the windward side of a mountain and create a rain shadow on the leeward side. Send in the Clouds Send in the Clouds Click here for various types of clouds.

Types of Climates Cut and paste your blank world map into your climate folder. Make a key using 12 different colors for each type of climate zone. As we discuss types of climates, color in the appropriate areas on the globe. Use pgs. 60 and 61 in your textbook as a guide.