1. Climate

3. Climate - Long term weather patterns of an area

4. The study of Earth’s Climate and the factors that affect past, present, and future climatic changes is called CLIMATOLOGY

5. Climate is not just averages it describes annual variations of:

6. Temperature Precipitation Wind Vegetation and Other Variables

7. Normals - 30yr average of monthly or annual data

8. Factors Affecting Climate

9. Latitude - temperatures decrease as distance from equator increases

10. Altitude - Temperature decreases as altitude increases

11. Air Masses - The characteristics of the air mass moving into the area affects climate

12. Proximity to Large Bodies of Water

13. Close to water, temperature is moderated far from water, temperature has large variation

14. Topographic Effect - Wet on the Windward Side of Mountains Dry on the Leeward side of Mountains

15. Koeppen Classification System - Climate classification system based on temperature, precipitation, as well as variations occurring in these two variables

16. Figure: 50.1
Caption:
This map shows the distribution of the community types discussed in section 50.1, and the locations of the specific sites discussed.

17. Figure 50.2a Climate characteristics 40 Belém, Brazil Temperature (ºC)30
Very low
variation
Average:
HIGH 20 50
Variation:
VERY LOW 40 30
Variation
Precipitation
(cm)
Figure: 50.2a
Caption:
(a) This climograph illustrates the climate of coastal Brazil, typical of a wet tropical climate. Climographs have months on the x-axis and precipitation and temperature on the y-axes. The graph shows the average monthly temperature and precipitation for an area. 20
Annual total:
HIGH 10
Variation:
HIGH J F M A M J J A S O N D
Month

18. Figure 50.2b Appearance Figure: 50.2b Caption:
(b) Tropical wet forests are extremely species rich.

19. Figure 50.3 Dense, dry air descends, warms, and absorbs moisture
Cooled air
is pushed
poleward
30ºN
Dry
Hadley
cell
Wet
Equator
Warm air rises and cools, dropping rain
Figure: 50.3
Caption:
A Hadley cell exists on both sides of the equator. Hadley cells are named after George Hadley, who conceived the idea of enormous air circulation patterns in Exercise: Draw in the Hadley cell on the southern side of the equator.
Dry
30ºS
Atmosphere
(not to scale)

20. Figure 50.4a Climate characteristics 40 Yuma, Arizona Temperature (ºC)30
Average:
HIGH 20
Variation
Variation:
MODERATE 10
(Freezing) 20
Precipitation
(cm)
Figure: 50.4a
Caption:
(a) The climate of Yuma, Arizona, is typical of a subtropical desert. 10
Annual total:
VERY LOW
Variation:
LOW J F M A M J J A S O N D
Month

21. Figure 50.4b Appearance Figure 50.4b
(b) Saguaro cacti are a prominent feature of the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

22. Figure 50.6a Climate characteristics 40 Chicago, Illinois Temperature30
Average:
MODERATE 20
Variation:
MODERATE 10
(Freezing)
Figure: 50.6a
Caption:
(a) Climograph for Chicago, Illinois, typical of a mid-latitude cold and humid climate. 20
Precipitation
(cm) 10
Annual total:
MODERATE
Variation:
LOW J F M A M J J A S O N D
Month

23. Figure 50.6b Appearance Figure 50.6b
(b) Temperate forests are dominated by broad-leaved deciduous trees.

24. Figure 50.7a Climate characteristics 40 Dawson, Yukon, Canada
Temperature
(ºC) 30
Average:
LOW 20
Variation:
VERY HIGH 10
(Freezing)
Precipitation
(cm)
Figure: 50.7a
Caption:
(a) Climograph for Dawson, Yukon territory, Canada, in the heart of the boreal forest.
–10 20
Annual total:
LOW
–20 10
Variation:
LOW
–30 J F M A M J J A S O N D
Month

25. Figure 50.7b Appearance Figure 50.7b
(b) The boreal forest is dominated by needle-leaved evergreens like spruce and fir.