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15.2 Climate
Climate vs.
Weather….what’s the
difference?
15.2 Climate
KEY CONCEPT
Climate is a key abiotic
factor that affects the
biosphere.
Climate is the prevailing
weather of a region.
Earth has three main climate
zones.
15.2 Climate
Climate is the prevailing weather of a region.
 Climate is the long-term pattern
of weather conditions.
 average temperature
 precipitation
 relative humidity
 Key factors shape an area’s
climate.
 temperature
 sunlight
 water
 wind
15.2 Climate
 Within a specific region, climate conditions vary. A
microclimate is the climate of a small specific place
within a larger area.
 Ex: a small hole in a decaying log where mushrooms
grow
 Ex: City neighborhood
 San Francisco-fog, cool
temps
15.2 Climate
Earth has three main climate zones.
 Scientists use average temperature and precipitation levels to
categorize a region’s climate.
 The three main zones are the polar, tropical, and temperate climates.
 polar climate: the far northern
and southern regions of
Earth
 tropical zone: surrounds
the equator
 temperate zone: the
wide area in between
the polar and tropical zones
15.2 Climate
 The angle of the Sun’s rays help determine an area’s climate.
90 N
polar
temperate
tropical
temperate
polar
15.2 Climate
 Earth’s tilt on its axis plays a role in seasonal change.
 As Earth orbits the sun, areas receive varying amounts of sunlight
• Solar heating causes movements in both water and air.
– wind
– ocean currents
• Earth’s rotation also has effects on the winds and currents
15.2 Climate
• Landmasses shape inland
climates.
 larger changes in temperatures
when compared to coastal
areas
 less precipitation
 Oceans shape coastal climates.
 smaller changes in
temperatures
 higher humidity
 more precipitation
15.2 Climate
 Mountains have an effect on climate.
– Precipitation occurs on the side of the mountain facing the wind.
– On the downwind side, drier and cooler air produce a rain
shadow.
– A rain shadow is an area of decreased precipitation.
western slope
eastern slope
15.2 Climate
 Many organisms survive in a specific climate due to their
adaptations.
 Example: Water-holding frog lives in dry grasslands and deserts
of inland Australia (rainy season once a year). Dry periods can
last 20 months or more. This frog burrows underground where
water evaporates more slowly. They come out of their burrows to
mate during the rainy season.