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Climate
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What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather – The condition of the atmosphere at a particular place at a particular moment. photograph Climate – The average weather in an area over a period of time. movie
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Climate is determined by:
Latitude Geography Ocean currents Air Circulation
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Latitude Distance from the equator Oblique Rays Direct Rays
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Geography Altitude – Temperature falls 6oC for every 1,000 meters
11oF for every 3,300 feet
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Ocean Currents Gyre
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Gulf Stream A current of warm water that moves along the Eastern coast of the United States Crosses Atlantic Ocean Warms Western Europe Mild weather along coastal New England Cool summer, Warmer winters More precipitation along coast
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Ocean currents
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What happened the last time the conveyer broke down?????
Ocean Conveyer Belt Important in regulating global climate Redistributes energy from equator to higher latitudes. Helps to moderate temperature at poles What happened the last time the conveyer broke down?????
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Thermohaline Circulation
Driven by changes in temperature and density Cold, dense water sinks Warm, less dense water rises Disruptions in circulation patterns could lead to abrupt changes in regional climate
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Thermohaline Circulation
How does it work? More direct solar radiation at equator increases rate of evaporation Leaves equatorial ocean saltier As saltier water moves to higher latitude heat released Can warm higher latitudes by 5oC
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Dry Wet Dry Coriolis Force – The deflection of air currents caused by the earth’s rotation Counterclockwise (to the right in N. H.)
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Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Wet Dry Desert Temperate Forest Desert
Tropical Rainforest Desert Dry Temperate Forest Wet Desert Dry
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Jet Stream A current of fast moving air in the stratosphere that flows between masses of warm and cool air. More pronounced in winter
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So What? How does this affect me? Average high temp:62oF.
Today’s forecast high temp: 74oF. Where is the Jet Stream today?
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Other Factors that Effect Climate
Changes in incoming solar radiation Earth’s orbit Solar output Changes in amount f solar radiation reflected Albedo Changes in amount of solar radiation emitted into space Greenhouse Gases
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Other Factors that Effect Climate
Changes in incoming solar radiation Earth’s orbit Solar output Changes in amount f solar radiation reflected Albedo Changes in amount of solar radiation emitted into space Greenhouse Gases
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