1. Climate

2. Station #1 – Factors Affecting Temperature
Weather – the condition of the Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place
Climate – The average, year-after-year conditions of temperature, precipitation, winds, and clouds in an area
Climate is determined by temperature and precipitation

3. Station 1 Factors Affecting Temperature
Latitude
Altitude
Distances from large bodies of water
Ocean currents

4. Latitude
Latitude – equator receives more direct sunlight than the poles
In general – areas near the equator are warmer climates than areas far from the equator
Can you think of some exceptions?

5. Kilimanjaro

6. Altitude
Mount Everest is approximately the same latitude of Tampa, Florida – but it is very cold
Much higher altitude
The higher the altitude the colder the temperature

7. Ocean Currents
El Nino – A climatic event that occurs once every 2 – 7 years in the tropical Pacific Ocean, during which trade winds weaken and surface currents push warm water toward the coast of South America
La Nina – A climate event in the eastern Pacific Ocean in which waters are colder than normal

8. Factors affecting Precipitation Station -2#1
Prevailing winds
(Global Winds)
Mountain Ranges
Seasonal Winds
(Local Winds)

9. Seasonal / Local Winds #2 Winds that blow over short distances
Sea breezes
Land breezes
Monsoons

10. Global Winds
Global Winds – winds that blow steadily – from the same direction for long periods of time
(prevailing winds)
Doldrums – at the equator – virtually no wind
Horse Latitudes
Very Light winds

11. Mountains Leeward – The side of a mountain
Windward – The side of a mountain that
Faces an oncoming wind – more precipitation
Air rises, cools, water vapor condenses (clouds)
Moisture is released as precipitation
Leeward – The side of a mountain
Range that faces away from the oncoming wind
- Less rain falls here (rain shadow)

12. #3 The Atmosphere

13. The Atmosphere Comes from the Greek word – “atmos” which means vapor
Layer of gases surrounding the Earth (or other body that has enough gravity to hold gases in place)

14. Why is the atmosphere important?
Contains oxygen
Traps Heat
Protects us from radiation (ozone layer)
Protects us from most meteors

15. Composition of the Atmosphere
Nitrogen - 78%
Oxygen – 21%
All other gases = 1%

16. Layers of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere is divided into four main layers
Layers on separated based on differences in temperature

17. Layer 1 (bottom layer) Troposphere
Tropo – means “changing” or “turning”
Lowest layer where life is and weather occurs
9km – 16km thick (10 – 15 miles)
Temperature Decreases as altitude increases

18. Stratosphere Strato – means “layer” or “spread out”
Ozone layer found here (in the middle of the stratosphere) – Filters Ultra Violet light
Skin Cancer
Cataracts
Abnormal plant growth
Temperature increases as altitude increases

19. Mesosphere Meso – middle Middle Layer
50 km to 80km above the surface of the Earth
Very cold
Most meteors burn up here

20. Thermosphere Thermo – heat Divided into two layers Outermost layer
Temperature increases
Divided into two layers
Ionosphere
Exosphere

22. Station 4 – Blue Sheet
By looking at pollen – we can tell what type of plants grew in an area and what type of climate it must have had based on similar plants we find today
If an organism today needs certain conditions to live, then a similar organism that lived in the past needed similar conditions

23. Station 4 – Blue Sheet Tree rings can also be used
A – had a long growing season
B – short growing season

24. Causes of Climate Change
Solar Energy
Short term changes have been linked to sunspot activity (more activity higher temperatures)
Earth’s position
Earth’s tilt and orbital path changes slightly about every 23,000 years possibly causing ice ages

25. Causes of Climate Change
Volcanic Activity
Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of gas and dust into the atmosphere which may may cause temperature changes

26. Station 5 Climate Change
What has happened to the Earth’s
atmosphere in the last 120 years?

27. Climate Change Station 5
Major greenhouse gases
Carbon Dioxide
Methane
Water Vapor
Increased last 120 years

28. Station 6 Weather Maps Know this symbol!
Isobar – connect equal areas of pressure (millibars)
Isotherm – connect equal areas of temperature