What Causes Climate? Section 9.1

Standards Science 6.4 d Students know the sun is the major source of energy for Earth’s surface. Science 6.4 e Students know differences in pressure, heat, air movement and humidity results in a change in weather.

Language of the Discipline Climate Leeward Tropical zone Monsoon Temperate zone Windward Marine climate Polar zone Continental climate Microclimate Ocean current

Anticipatory Set Let’s review the World Temperature Zones map we drew last week. What zone occurs between 66.5* N and 23.5* N? What zone is located at each of the poles? What zone does Mexico and most of Africa live in?

Input/ Climate Scientists used 2 factors for climate Temperature and precipitation These factors affect larger climate regions as well as smaller ones. A small area of climate is different from those around it my have its own microclimate.

Factors Affecting Temperature Latitude- Longitude Altitude- high mountains have an effect on climate Distance from large bodies of water – Oceans or lakes Ocean currents

Zones Land by the equator is warmer because the suns rays hits Earth surface more directly. Farther away from the equator- the suns ray is spread out over a larger area and less warmth. Tropical Zone – receives direct or nearly direct sunlight all year round. Look at your maps you drew. The green zone would be our examples of Tropical zones.

Zones Polar zones- suns rays strike at a lower angle and they now have a cooler climate. Look at our maps we drew, the polar zones are located at the top and bottoms of our maps. Temperate zones- in the summer the suns rays strike these zones more directly. Winter- they strike at a lower angle. Look at our maps, these zones can be identified by looking at the orange areas.

Bodies of Water Marine Climates- mild winters and cool summers Example: West coast of North America Continental Climates- extreme temperatures than marine climates. Winters are cold and summers are warm/hot. Example: Canada and Russia

Ocean Currents Streams of water within the oceans that move in regular patterns. May flow on the surface or deep below Currents can move heat from the tropics towards the poles. This produces warm air. Cold currents bring cold water and produces cold air.

Factors Affecting Precipitation Prevailing winds- weather patterns depend on the movement of huge air masses. They can be warm or cold. Water vapor in the clouds determine precipitation. Water from near oceans/lakes carry more precipitation.

Precipitation Factors Presences of mountains (Sierra Nevada mountains) Windward- side of the mountain that the wind hits first. Leeward- side of the mountain that is in a rain shadow (hardly rains) (Death Valley) Warm air blows in from the ocean and is pushed up by the mountains. As the air rises it cools and water vapor condenses. Precipitation is then released.

Seasonal Winds Monsoons- sea and land breezes over a large region that change the direction with the seasons. The air that blows is very warm and humid. It rises over the land and cools. Clouds are formed and creates heavy rains. Thailand and India – receive little rain in winter “Land Breeze” blows steadily from the land to the ocean.

Seasons Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall Tilted Axis- seasons are cased because of this axis as Earth travels around the sun. An imaginary line that passes between both poles. Earth is tilted to a 23.5* angle. When it is winter here, it is summer in Australia. When it is summer here, it is winter is Australia.

Modeling Let’s answer questions that relate to our text to help create logical notes. 1. How does temperature vary in Earth’s temperature zones? 2. List 3 things that affect precipitation 3. How might Earth’s climate be different if Earth were not tilted on its axis?

Checking for Understanding List one continent that is in the polar zone In June, what season is it in the Southern Hemisphere? What is a monsoon?

Guided Practice Independent Practice Worksheet Guided Practice # 1-3 Stop! Have your paper checked! Independent Practice # 4-10