1. Climate & Climate Regions 7.3
How do scientists differentiate b/w weather and climate? SC.6.E.7.6
What natural factors can cause climate change? SC.6.E.7.4, SC.6.E.7.6, LA , MA.6.A.3.6

2. How do scientists differentiate between WEATHER & CLIMATE?
Refers to the conditions of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place
Refers to the typical weather pattern over a long period of time
2 major factors used in determining CLIMATE
Precipitation
Temperature

3. Reading Climate Graphs:
A graph of temperature can be combined with a graph of precipitation to form a climate graph. The graphs below show climate data for Makindu, Kenya.

4. Tropical Rainy Climates
Rain forests—forests where large amounts of rain fall year-round
Savannas—tropical grasslands—can be found in Tropical Rainy climates that have distinct dry and rainy seasons.

5. Dry Climates Deserts—very dry regions with extreme temperatures.
Steppes—generally dry areas receiving enough rainfall for short grasses and low bushes to form. Great Plains in the United States.

6. Temperate Continental Climates
Not influenced much by oceans
Subarctic—lie north of some continental climates—Fir and spruce forests often grow here.

7. Temperate Marine Climate
Usually found along coasts that are in latitudes just outside of the tropics.
Humid Subtropical—temperate marine climates that are wet and warm, but not as constantly hot as the tropics
Most of Florida is Humid Subtropical

8. Polar Climates The coldest climates
Tundra—treeless plains beneath which the ground may always be frozen
Permafrost—permanently frozen ground
Climate Video Clip

9. Highlands Found on lower slopes of mountains, like Rocky Mountains.
Temperatures are lower and precipitation increases.
Spruce and fir trees
Climate is cooler

10. What Natural Factors can cause Climate Change?
Movement of continents
Super continent called Pangea, theory was based on a German Scientist, Alfred Wagner.
Earth’s position and Ice Ages
Orbit around the sun changes and impact climate of the earth. The angle of the earth, and ice ages…20 in the last 2 million years.
Volcanic activity
Eruptions release huge quantities of ash, also called aerosols, which are solid or liquid particles.
Solar Energy
Sunspots darker regions on the surface of the sun increases as more light is given off.