Download S6E2.c. relate the tilt of earth to the distribution of sunlight through

EARTH’S
CLIMATE
S6E2.c. relate the tilt of earth to the
distribution of sunlight through the
year and its effect on climate.
What is climate?
The pattern of weather that occurs in an area over many years. §  It determines the kinds of plants & animals that can live in an area and influences how people live. §  It’s the average of the area’s temperatures, precipitation, air pressure, humidity & the number of days of sunshine in the area. What factors affect climate? 1.Latitude – the measure North & South from the equator, affected by solar radiation i. Polar Zones – solar radiation hits at a lower angle, heat is spread out more, it’s never warm here ii. Tropical Zones – (the tropics) warmest areas due to the direct solar radiation iii. Temperate Zones – more moderate temps, most of the United States is in this zone Lines of Latitude (run horizontally) What factors affect climate? 2.  Landforms Along similar latitudes Mountains are colder than other locations at sea level due to the higher elevation Higher elevation = thinner atmosphere & fewer molecules to absorb heat Landforms at similar latitudes have similar climates What factors affect climate? 3. Locations of lakes and oceans Large bodies of water absorb or give off heat Makes these areas warmer in the winter & cooler in the summer (than inland areas at similar latitudes) Large bodies of water affect the climate of the surrounding areas. What factors affect climate? 4. Ocean Currents Currents are warmer near the equator. When they flow past higher latitudes, they warm the land that they pass. When they cool off and flow back towards the equator, they cool the air & climates of nearby land Ocean currents affect climate of the land they flow near. Other factors affecting climate: Rain Shadows The side of the mountain facing the wind gets more rain because as the air rises & cools it drops its moisture (precipitation falls!) On the opposite side of the mountain air drops, heats up & dries the land (deserts are found here) Rain falls on one side of the mountain, but it is dry on the opposite side. How do cities affect climate? In large cities streets, buildings, and parking lots heat up. Air pollution traps this heat. Temperatures can be 5° higher in cities than in the suburbs. Cities trap heat, making the area about 5° warmer than the suburbs Types of Climates §  6 different types of climate ú  Tropical ú  Temperate ú  Arid (dry) ú  Humid Continental ú  Subarctic Continental ú  Polar How do the plants & animals live? §  They have adapted. ú  Structural adaptations— fur for cold regions ú  Behavioral adaptations-­‐-­‐hibernations Why do we have different seasons? Earth’s tilt on its axis causes different areas to get different amounts of solar energy during the year. 4 seasons depend on how earth tilts towards the sun on its trip around the sun! What has caused climate changes in the past? *Catastrophic events-­‐ Volcanic eruptions & meteor collisions: ash & dust block sunlight *Varying amounts of energy given off by the sun *Changes in the tilt of Earth *Movement of plates affects the land & ocean distribution & heat transfer, which affects wind patterns & the amount of precipitation What’s changing the climate now? The Greenhouse Effect The natural heating due to gases in the atmosphere trap heat Common Greenhouse Gases = water vapor, carbon dioxide & methane make life possible on Earth, but if they warm up too much, it’s a problem. Other factors affecting climate changes… §  CFCs found in aerosol sprays, Styrofoam packing, refrigerators, and air conditioners cause damage to the Ozone layer §  Climate changes can lead to… Global Warming Fact: The average global temperature of Earth is rising Results of global warming: melting glaciers -­‐ would cause sea levels to rise which would increase flooding in coastal areas ßMelting glaciers can cause flooding… What causes
global warming?
Causes of global warming: Burning fossil fuels, Cutting down trees & pollution Choices PEOPLE make! 1.Burning fossil fuels – natural gas, coal & oil used for energy. All contain Carbon which combines with Oxygen to form Carbon Dioxide (CO2). (This has caused a 25% increase in CO2 in the last 150 years!) 2.Deforestation – cutting down trees takes away the vegetation that naturally removes CO2 from the atmosphere Ways we can help… How do we reduce CO2 levels? Conserve energy use & use less fossil fuels Plant vegetation to help remove CO2 from the atmosphere naturally Go Green! What are other ways you can help?