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15.2 Climate Chapter 15 : Climate and Biomes 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 • Key factors shape an area’s climate. – temperature – sunlight – water – wind 15.2 Climate • A microclimate is the climate of a small specific place within a larger area. 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 • 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. • 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 – 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. 15.2 Climate KEY CONCEPT Biomes are land-based, global communities of organisms. 15.2 Climate Earth has six major biomes. • A biome is a major community of organisms. 15.2 Climate • Tropical rain forest biomes produce lush forests. – warm temperature – abundant precipitation all year Source: World Meteorological Organization 15.2 Climate • Grassland biomes are where the primary plant life is grass. Rapid City, South Dakota Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration 15.2 Climate • Grassland biomes are where the primary plant life is grass. – Temperate grasslands are dry and warm during the summer; most precipitation falls as snow. – Tropical grasslands are warm through the year, with definite dry and rainy seasons. 15.2 Climate • Desert biomes are characterized by a very arid climate. – very low amount of precipitation – four types: hot, semiarid, coastal, and cold Tucson, Arizona Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration 15.2 Climate • Temperate forest biomes include deciduous forests and rain forests. – Temperate deciduous forests have hot summers and cold winters. – Deciduous trees are the dominant plant species. Burlington, Vermont Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration 15.2 Climate • Temperate forest biomes include deciduous forests and rain forests. – Temperate deciduous forests have hot summers and cold winters. – Deciduous trees are the dominant plant species. – The temperate rain forests have a long wet season and relatively dry summer. – Ferns and moss cover the forest floor. 15.2 Climate • The taiga biome is located in cooler northern climates. – boreal forest – long winters and short summers – small amount of precipitation Banff, Canada Source: Environment Canada 15.2 Climate • The tundra biome is found in the far northern latitudes with long winters. – winter lasts 10 months – limited precipitation – permafrost Barrow, Alaska Source: National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration 15.2 Climate • Minor biomes, such as chaparral, occur globally on a smaller scale. 15.2 Climate Polar ice caps and mountains are not considered biomes. • Polar ice caps have no soil, therefore no plant community. • The climate and organisms found on mountains change as the elevation changes. 15.2 Climate KEY CONCEPT Marine ecosystems are global. 15.2 Climate The ocean can be divided into zones. • Ocean zones can be determined by their distance from shoreline and water depths. – intertidal zone—between low and high tide – neritic zone—from intertidal zone to continental shelf – bathyal zone— from neritic zone to base of continental shelf – abyssal zone –lies below 2000 m intertidal zone neritic zone bathyl zone abyssal zone 15.2 Climate • The neritic zone harbors more biomass than any other zone. • Plankton make up most of the biomass. – zooplankton – phytoplankton 15.2 Climate Coastal waters contain unique habitats. • Coral reefs are found in warm waters. – tropical climate zone – great amount of biomass 15.2 Climate • Kelp forests are found in cold, nutrient-rich waters. – large communities of seaweed – great amount of biomass 15.2 Climate KEY CONCEPT Freshwater ecosystems include estuaries as well as flowing and standing water. 15.2 Climate Estuaries are dynamic environments where rivers flow into the ocean. • An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water. – mixture of fresh water with salt water – Chesapeake Bay – Louisiana bayous 15.2 Climate • Estuaries are highly productive ecosystems. • Estuaries provide a protected refuge for many species. – birds migration – spawning grounds • Estuaries are primarily threatened by land development. 15.2 Climate Freshwater ecosystems include moving and standing water. • A watershed is a region of land that drains into a body of water 15.2 Climate • Hocking County Watershed 15.2 Climate • Wetlands are the link between land and water • Swamps, marshes, and bogs are all types of wetlands 15.2 Climate • Wetlands are the kidneys of the Earth – Toxins are filtered out of the water by wetlands – Regulation of water levels is a key feature of wetlands 15.2 Climate 15.2 Climate Ponds and lakes share common features. • Freshwater bodies are divided into three zones. – littoral zone – limnetic zone – benthic zone