BELLRINGER READ AND ANALYZE: page 63 “World Climate Regions” 1.Which climate does the city of Seoul, South Korea, have? 2.Which climate is most common in countries directly on the Equator?

Chapter 2: Water, Climate, and Vegetation Section 3: Climate Zones and Vegetation I. Tropical Climates A. There are two types of tropical climates - tropical rain forest and tropical savanna.

B. Areas with a tropical rain forest climate have year-round rains that produce lush vegetation and thick rain forests. Tall hardwood trees such as mahogany, teak, and ebony form a canopy, or top layer of the forest. C. Tropical savanna areas have a definite wet season, while the remainder of the year is hot and dry. Savannas, or broad grasslands with few trees, are found in these areas.

II. Mid-Latitude Climates A. Mid-latitude climates include more and different climate zones. This is due to a mix of air masses: warm air from the tropics and cool air from the polar regions.

B. The marine west coast climate occurs along coastal areas that receive winds from the ocean. Winters are rainy and summers are cool in these areas. Deciduous and coniferous trees grow in this climate.

C. The coastal Mediterranean climate also has rainy, mild winters. It differs from the marine west coast climate in that the Mediterranean climate.

D. The humid continental climate occurs in the inland areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. Winters can be long, cold, and snowy. Summers are short and may be very hot. Deciduous trees and vast grasslands grow here. E. Mid-latitude regions close to the Tropics experience a humid subtropical climate where rain falls throughout the year. Oak, magnolia, and palm trees grow here.

III. High Latitude Climates A. In the high latitudes nearest the mid- latitude zones, you will find the subarctic climate. Winters are severely cold and bitter. Huge evergreen forests called taiga grow here.

B. Closer to the Poles than the subarctic zone lie areas of vast rolling plains without trees. This region is known as the tundra and is harsh and dry. In these parts, much of the lower layers of soil stay permanently frozen and are known as permafrost. Only sturdy grasses and low berry bushes grow here.

C. The ice cap climate is found at the Poles and on the ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland. No vegetation grows here. Only lichens can live on the rocks.

IV. Dry Climates A.Desert climates - the driest climates -have less than 10 inches of rainfall a year. Only scattered plants like cacti can live here. B. Many deserts are surrounded by partly dry grasslands known as steppes. The Great Plains of the United States has a steppe climate, which averages 10 to 20 inches of rain a year.

V. Highland Climate A.Mountains tend to have cool climates - even near the Equator. B. A highland, or mountain, climate has cool or cold temperatures throughout the year. No trees grow above the timberline.

EXIT STRATEGY Smart Board Work Identify the different zones discussed in class…