Download The Earth Has Many Different Climates (1)

Three Major Climate Zones
MILLER/SPOOLMAN
ESSENTIALS OF ECOLOGY
6TH
Temperate
Tropical
Polar
Chapter 7
Climate and Terrestrial Biodiversity
Fig. 7‐1, p. 147
Natural Capital: Generalized Map of the Earth’s Current Climate Zones
The Earth Has Many Different Climates (1)
• Weather • Temperature, precipitation, wind speed, cloud cover
• Hours to days
• Climate
• Area’s general pattern of atmospheric conditions over decades and longer
Fig. 7‐2, p. 149
Global Air Circulation
LOW PRESSURE
Cool, dry air
HIGH PRESSURE
Heat released radiates to space
Falls, is compressed, warms
Warm, dry air
HIGH PRESSURE
Fig. 7‐3, p. 149
Condensation and precipitation
Rises, expands, expands
cools
Flows toward low pressure, picks up moisture and heat
Moist surface warmed by sun
Hot, wet air
LOW PRESSURE
Fig. 7‐4, p. 150
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The Earth Has Many Different Climates (3)
Connected Deep and Shallow Ocean Currents
• El Niño‐Southern Oscillation
• Every few years
• Prevailing winds in tropical Pacific Ocean change direction
• Affects much of earth’s weather for 1‐2 years
• Link between air circulation, ocean currents, and biomes
Fig. 7‐5, p. 150
Normal and El Niño Conditions
Impact of El Nino‐Southern Oscillation
Figure 4, Supplement 7
Greenhouse Gases Warm the Lower Atmosphere
Figure 5, Supplement 7
Flow of Energy to and from the Earth
• Greenhouse gases
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•
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H2O
CO2
CH4
N2O
• Natural greenhouse effect
• Gases keep earth habitable
• Human‐enhanced global warming
Fig. 3‐4, p. 57
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Earth’s Surface Features Affect Local Climates
Rain Shadow Effect
• Differential heat absorption by land and water
• Land and sea breezes
• Rain shadow effect
• Most precipitation falls on the windward side of mountain ranges
• Deserts leeward
• Cities create microclimates
Fig. 7‐6, p. 152
Generalized Effects of Elevation and Latitude on Climate and Biomes
The Earth’s Major Biomes
Fig. 7‐7, p. 153
Natural Capital: Average Precipitation and Average Temperature as Limiting Factors
Fig. 7‐9, p. 154
Fig. 7‐8, p. 153
Global Plant Biodiversity
Figure 6, Supplement 8
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Climate Graphs of Three Types of Deserts
Temperate Desert Ecosystem in North America
Fig. 7‐10, p. 155
Figure 1, Supplement 6
Climate Graphs of Tropical, Temperate, and Cold Grasslands
Wildflowers Bloom after Rain in Arizona
Fig. 7‐A, p. 156
Temperate Tall‐Grass Prairie Ecosystem in North America
Figure 2, Supplement 6
Fig. 7‐11, p. 157
Monoculture Crop Replacing Biologically Diverse Temperate Grassland
Fig. 7‐12, p. 158
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Climate Graphs of Tropical, Temperate, and Cold Forests
Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystem
Fig. 7‐13, p. 160
Niche Stratification in a Tropical Rain Forest
Fig. 7‐14, p. 161
Temperate Deciduous Forest Ecosystem in North America
Fig. 7‐15, p. 162
Evergreen Coniferous Forest Ecosystem in North America
Figure 5, Supplement 6
Figure 4, Supplement 6
Temperate Rain Forest in Washington State
Fig. 7‐16, p. 163
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Natural Capital Degradation
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State
Major Human Impacts on Terrestrial Ecosystems
Deserts
Grasslands
Large desert cities
Conversion to Destruction of soil and cropland
underground habitat by Release of CO2 to off‐road vehicles
atmosphere from burning grassland
Soil salinization from irrigation
Depletion of groundwater
Land disturbance and pollution from mineral extraction
Fig. 7‐17, p. 163
Forests
Clearing for agriculture, livestock grazing, timber, and urban development
Mountains
Agriculture
Timber and mineral extraction
Hydroelectric dams and reservoirs
Conversion of diverse forests to tree Increasing tourism
plantations
Air pollution blowing in from urban Damage from off‐
areas and power plants
Oil production and road vehicles
Soil damage from off‐road off‐road vehicles vehicles
Pollution of forest in arctic tundra
streams
Water supplies threatened by glacial melting
Fig. 7‐18, p. 165
Overgrazing by livestock
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