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Introduction to Ecology
Chapter 52
Climate
► …is
the average long-term weather of an
area; varies with differing amounts of solar
energy received by different places on
Earth.
► Solar energy input determines temperature,
precipitation, and air and ocean circulation
patterns which leads to different climates
and vegetation patterns.
Uneven Heating
► Regions
near equator
are hot due to more
direct sun rays,
concentrating energy
in a smaller area.
► Regions near poles are
cold due to the acute
angle of rays.
► Regions in between
have intermediate
temps.
Seasonal Changes
► The
23.5 degree axis
tilt causes regions to
receive more direct
rays during certain
times of the year.
► Our winter = northern
hemisphere tilted away
from sun.
► Our summer =
northern hemisphere
tilted toward sun.
Hadley Cells
► …vertical
convection
cells that distribute
heat and moisture over
earth’s surface.
► Warm moist air rises,
dropping precip.
► Air moves N or S, then
falls as cool dry air.
Global air circulation
► Most
precip tends to
fall at equator
(rainforests), tapering
off towards 30
degrees latitude.
► Dry air descends at
30 degrees (deserts).
► Precip falls again at
60 degrees (decid.
and conif. forests).
► Dry air descends at
poles.
Coriolis Effect and Winds
► Due
to the rotation of
the earth, air masses
don’t just move N and
S.
► Air masses (winds) in
northern hemisphere
are deflected to the
right.
► Winds in southern
hemisphere deflected
to the left.
Microclimates
► …local
climates that differ from the general
climate of a region due to local topography.
► …formed by:
 Rain shadow effect: more arid conditions on
leeward sides of mountain ranges.
 Cities: buildings block wind, absorb and emit
heat.
 Land breezes/Sea breezes: day to night
differences in coastal areas.
 Altitude: climate colder as elevation increases.
Rain Shadow Effect
Aquatic Biomes
► Saltwater
(marine):
 Oceans
 Estuaries – semi-enclosed area; saltwater mixes
with freshwater.
 Coastal wetlands – land areas covered with
water at least part-time.
► Freshwater:
 Standing (lentic) – lakes, ponds, inland
wetlands.
 Flowing (lotic) – stream and river systems.
Areas of Concern
► Coral
reefs:
► High diversity and
productivity.
► Grow slowly,
disrupted easily,
need certain temp
and nutrients.
► Problems: warming
trends, destruction.
► Inland
wetlands:
► Marshes, swamps,
prairie potholes,
floodplains.
► Vital breeding
grounds.
► Water purification.
► Flood control.
Terrestrial Biomes
► Have
characteristic climate and plant life.
► Here is an incomplete list of biomes:
► Temperate Forest Coniferous Forest
Taiga
Tundra
Temperate Grassland
Savannas
Chaparral/Mediterranean Scrub
Desert
Tropical Rain Forest