1. The Biosphere
Our Home. Part 2

2. Review From last class
A biome is largest subdivision of the biosphere.
A biome is defined by two characterises: biotic and abiotic
Temperature and precipitation (abiotic factors ) influence biomes
Latitude, elevation and ocean currents all influence temperature and precipitation.

3. Elevation Elevation is the height of land mass compared to the sea
The higher up the land mass the cooler the temperature (Think of mountain peaks)
The side of the mountain being hit by the wind (windward side) clouds fill with moisture and there is increase precipitation.
The side of the mountain sheltered by the mountain (leeward side) is more dry.
Wind
Windward side (Cool)
Leeward
side (Dry)

4. Joffre Lakes Provincial Park

5. Ocean Currents Typically make biomes warmer and wetter.
i.e. Vancouver vs. Calgary

8. Climatograph
Climate is the average pattern of weather conditions that occur in a region
Tofino, BC.

9. Climatograph Average Precipitation (mm) Average Temperature (C) 600 25
500
400
300
200
100 25 15 5 -5
-15
-25
-35
Average Precipitation (mm)
Average Temperature (C)
J F M A M J J A S O N D
MONTH

10. Climatograph
600
500
400
300
200
100 25 15 5 -5
-15
-25
-35
Average Precipitation (mm)
Average Temperature (C)
J F M A M J J A S O N D
MONTH

11. Climatograph
1) What is the average temperature in April? 2) What is the average precipitation in June? 3) What is the hottest month? 4) What month receives the most precipitation?