Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary difference between climate and weather?
What is the primary difference between climate and weather?
- Weather is influenced by periodic changes, while climate is static.
- Climate is determined by human activities, while weather is natural.
- Climate refers to long-term averages while weather refers to short-term conditions. (correct)
- Weather patterns can be predicted for decades, whereas climate cannot.
Which gas is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?
Which gas is primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?
- Nitrogen
- Carbon dioxide (correct)
- Hydrogen
- Oxygen
Microclimates are influenced by which of the following factors?
Microclimates are influenced by which of the following factors?
- Geographical location and altitude (correct)
- Population density and urban development
- Large bodies of water and mountain ranges
- Humid versus dry climates in the same region
What is a key distinction between global climate and regional climate?
What is a key distinction between global climate and regional climate?
What is one impact of climate change on ecosystems?
What is one impact of climate change on ecosystems?
What is the primary distinction between climate and weather?
What is the primary distinction between climate and weather?
Which of the following best describes a microclimate?
Which of the following best describes a microclimate?
How do mountain ranges influence regional climate?
How do mountain ranges influence regional climate?
What role do greenhouse gases play in climate change?
What role do greenhouse gases play in climate change?
Which situation exemplifies climate rather than weather?
Which situation exemplifies climate rather than weather?
What effect does the Gulf Stream have on climate?
What effect does the Gulf Stream have on climate?
What is a primary factor contributing to the current increase in Earth's climate temperature?
What is a primary factor contributing to the current increase in Earth's climate temperature?
In what way do oceans affect global climate?
In what way do oceans affect global climate?
What primarily drives ocean surface currents in large-scale gyres?
What primarily drives ocean surface currents in large-scale gyres?
Which factor contributes to the formation of Hadley cells?
Which factor contributes to the formation of Hadley cells?
How does the Coriolis Force affect wind patterns on Earth?
How does the Coriolis Force affect wind patterns on Earth?
What would likely result from a significant cosmic event causing Earth's axis to be perpendicular to its orbital plane?
What would likely result from a significant cosmic event causing Earth's axis to be perpendicular to its orbital plane?
What distinguishes global climate from regional climate?
What distinguishes global climate from regional climate?
What is most directly impacted by rising greenhouse gas levels?
What is most directly impacted by rising greenhouse gas levels?
Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between climate and weather?
Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between climate and weather?
What is a likely outcome of climate change on microclimates?
What is a likely outcome of climate change on microclimates?
Flashcards
Landmasses vs. Oceans
Landmasses vs. Oceans
Landmasses heat and cool faster than large bodies of water.
Monsoon
Monsoon
Seasonal wind patterns that bring heavy rain to some regions.
Land-sea breezes
Land-sea breezes
Local winds that occur due to temperature differences between land and sea.
Regional climate vs. Global climate
Regional climate vs. Global climate
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Microclimate
Microclimate
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Climate vs. Weather
Climate vs. Weather
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Greenhouse gases
Greenhouse gases
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Climate Change
Climate Change
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ITCZ formation
ITCZ formation
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Hadley cells
Hadley cells
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Coriolis Effect
Coriolis Effect
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Trade winds
Trade winds
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Effect of Earth's tilted axis
Effect of Earth's tilted axis
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Effect of Perpendicular axis
Effect of Perpendicular axis
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Ocean Circulation
Ocean Circulation
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Regional Climate Modification
Regional Climate Modification
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What drives global climate?
What drives global climate?
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Earth's tilt and Seasonality
Earth's tilt and Seasonality
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Sunlight intensity and Latitude
Sunlight intensity and Latitude
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Air rising and cooling
Air rising and cooling
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What happens to water in air as it cools?
What happens to water in air as it cools?
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Study Notes
Climate and Organisms
- Organisms live where the climate supports their survival
- Biogeographic realms (ecozones) are regions with similar climates and organisms
- Key factors influencing organism distribution are light, temperature, and precipitation
Pumpkin Toadlet
- Tiny frog with tiny ears and semi-circular canals
- Included in news section of presentation
Climate Overview
- Understanding how climates are formed and changing is vital
- Crucial concepts include Coriolis forces, the ITCZ, Hadley cells, regional climate drivers, climate vs. weather, greenhouse gases, and global warming
Global Climate Drivers
- Sunlight, Earth's movement, and atmospheric/ocean circulation are key drivers of global climate
- Sunlight is most intense at tropical latitudes due to the angle of incidence
Earth's Tilt and Seasons
- Earth's 23.5° tilt causes seasonal variations in temperature and day length
- The tilt determines the angle of sunlight striking different latitudes
Atmospheric Circulation
- Air rises at the equator, cools, loses moisture, and falls at higher latitudes
- This creates precipitation patterns and wind systems like the Hadley cells
Coriolis Effect
- Earth's rotation affects wind and ocean current directions
- The Coriolis effect deflects winds and currents to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere
Regional Climate Modification
- Landmasses, mountain ranges, and ocean currents influence regional climates
- Coastal regions experience moderating effects from cooler ocean temperatures
Climate vs. Weather
- Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions
- Climate describes long-term atmospheric patterns
Global Climate Change
- The composition of the atmosphere and human activities contribute to changes in global climate
- Greenhouse gases trap solar energy, warming the planet
Greenhouse Gases
- Gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat, causing global warming
- Human activities are increasing the concentrations of these gases
Impacts and Feedbacks
- Climate change is linked to extreme weather events, loss of sea ice, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching
- Impacts cascade through ecosystems and societies.
Mitigation and Adaptation
- Various actions can reduce climate change impacts
- Transitioning to renewable energy and adopting sustainable practices are key strategies
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