Climate November 2011

 Climate  Average weather conditions of an area over a long period of time  3 Climate Zones on Earth  Tropical  Temperate  Polar

Natural Factors that affect climate  Latitude (distance from the equator)

Natural Factors that affect climate  Prevailing winds in the Atmosphere

Natural Factors that affect climate  Mountain formations

Natural Factors that affect climate  Large Water Bodies

Natural Factors that affect climate  Ocean Currents

Biomes  Region of similar climate  Similar plant/animal life  Examples:  Tundra  Tropical rain forest

Tropical (near equator)  Rain Forest  Very poor soil  Most diverse place on Earth

Tropical  Savanna  Tall grass  Few trees  Poor soil  Large mammals

Tropical  Desert  Very hot and dry  Sandy  Warmer days, cooler nights  Small animals  Many plants have waxy outer layer

Temperate (middle latitude)  Forest  Deciduous trees mostly  Fertile soil  Diverse animal life  We live here

Temperate  Grassland  Warm summer  Cool winters  Most fertile soil  (farming)

Temperate  Chaparral  Hot, dry summers  Cool, wet winters  Moderate precipitation  Low lying plants mostly  Poor soil

Temperate  Desert  Little precipitation  Very cold nights (little clouds)  Waxy vegetation

Polar (near N or S pole)  Tundra  Short rooted plants  Grow close to ground  Short summer  Very muddy  Long winter

Polar  Taiga  Long cold winters  Short summers  Coniferous trees (needles)  Precipitation is moderate