Download 15.2 Climate KEY CONCEPT biosphere.

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
• 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.