Download 15.2 Climate - Clinton Public Schools

15.2 Climate
Bell Ringer:
• 1-What are the 4 spheres that are
interconnected in our earth?
• 2-Trace an animal (ex-a deer)
through at least 3 spheres.
15.2 Climate
KEY CONCEPT
Climate is a key abiotic factor that affects the
biosphere.
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
– seasonal variations
Ex. Rainy/dry season
15.2 Climate
• Key factors shape an area’s climate.
– temperature
– sunlight
– water
– wind
• Temperature & moisture have a large role in shaping
ecosystems.
• Ex. desert is hot & dry
rainforest is warm & moist
15.2 Climate
• A microclimate is the climate of a small specific place
within a larger area.
15.2 Climate
Microclimate continued…
• Ex. Small hole in a log
large city neighborhood
frogs & grasshoppers in a grassy meadow
15.2 Climate
“Where is a forest might you find different microclimates?”
15.2 Climate
Bell Ringer:
• 1-On Friday we will be going outside for lab. We
will be looking at microclimates. What is a
microclimate?
• 2-Think of 3 possible microclimates around our
school building.
• 3-Would you expect an area with several
microclimates to have more or fewer ecological
niches? EXPLAIN!
15.2 Climate
Earth has three main climate zones.
• 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
• A regions climate is categorized by average temperature
& precipitation.
15.2 Climate
• The angle of the Sun’s rays help determine an area’s
climate.
90 N
polar
polar
temperate
temperate
tropical
tropical
temperate
temperate
polar
polar
15.2 Climate
• Earth’s tilt on its axis plays a role in seasonal change.
• Solar heating causes movements in both water and air.
– wind
– ocean currents
– Warmer air & water is less dense than cooler air & water
– (they rise)
– Tropic air rises & cooler air moves in
• Earth’s rotation also has effects on the winds and currents
15.2 Climate
• Landmasses shape inland
climates.
– larger changes in
temperatures
– heats & cools faster than
water
– less precipitation
• Oceans shape coastal
climates.
– smaller changes in
temperatures
– higher humidity
– more precipitation
– due to open bodies of
water
15.2 Climate
• Mountains have an effect on climate.
– Precipitation occurs on the side of the mountain
facing the wind.
– As warm/moist air nears a mountain, it cools
– On the downwind side, drier and cooler air produce
a rain shadow.
–.
western slope
eastern slope
15.2 Climate
• A rain shadow is an area of decreased precipitation
• Ex. Sierra Nevada Mountain range in CA
western slope
eastern slope
15.2 Climate
• Many organisms survive in a specific climate due to their
adaptations.
• Ex. Water-holding frog in dry area of Australia
15.2 Climate
“Describe the climate where we live.”