2-Climate

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Questions and Answers

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?

  • Nitrogen
  • Carbon dioxide (correct)
  • Hydrogen
  • Oxygen

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?

<p>Regional climate considers the average conditions of broader geographical areas. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one impact of climate change on ecosystems?

<p>Species migration towards the poles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between climate and weather?

<p>Weather is short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term patterns. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a microclimate?

<p>A local zone where the climate significantly differs from surrounding areas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do mountain ranges influence regional climate?

<p>By deflecting winds, creating rain gradients. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do greenhouse gases play in climate change?

<p>They trap heat, contributing to global warming. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which situation exemplifies climate rather than weather?

<p>The average temperature in January in Miami is 70°F. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the Gulf Stream have on climate?

<p>It moderates temperature and rainfall, keeping areas warm and wet. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor contributing to the current increase in Earth's climate temperature?

<p>Rising levels of greenhouse gases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do oceans affect global climate?

<p>They maintain stable temperatures and moderate rainfall. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily drives ocean surface currents in large-scale gyres?

<p>Prevailing winds and Coriolis forces (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the formation of Hadley cells?

<p>Heating and cooling of air at the equator (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Coriolis Force affect wind patterns on Earth?

<p>It alters wind direction due to Earth's spherical shape and rotation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would likely result from a significant cosmic event causing Earth's axis to be perpendicular to its orbital plane?

<p>Elimination of seasonal variation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes global climate from regional climate?

<p>Global climate encompasses broad trends, while regional climate accounts for local conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is most directly impacted by rising greenhouse gas levels?

<p>Global average temperatures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between climate and weather?

<p>Climate refers to average atmospheric conditions over time, while weather indicates short-term conditions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome of climate change on microclimates?

<p>Altered precipitation patterns in localized areas (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Landmasses vs. Oceans

Landmasses heat and cool faster than large bodies of water.

Monsoon

Seasonal wind patterns that bring heavy rain to some regions.

Land-sea breezes

Local winds that occur due to temperature differences between land and sea.

Regional climate vs. Global climate

Global climate's patterns are modified by factors like mountain ranges and ocean currents to produce regional climates that vary.

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Microclimate

A small area with climate that differs from the surrounding region.

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Climate vs. Weather

Weather is short-term atmospheric conditions; climate is the long-term average of weather patterns.

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Greenhouse gases

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, leading to warming.

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Climate Change

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.

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ITCZ formation

Air rising at the equator creates a low-pressure zone called the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

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Hadley cells

Global atmospheric circulation patterns driven by rising air at the equator and sinking air at the poles.

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Coriolis Effect

An apparent force that deflects moving objects (like wind and water) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Earth's rotation.

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Trade winds

Prevailing winds that blow from east to west in the tropics, driven by the Coriolis effect and Earth's spherical shape.

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Effect of Earth's tilted axis

Earth's tilted axis causes seasonal variations in temperature and day length.

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Effect of Perpendicular axis

If Earth's axis were perpendicular to its orbital plane, there would be a lack of seasonal variation.

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Ocean Circulation

Ocean movement influenced by winds and the Coriolis force.

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Regional Climate Modification

Global climate patterns affect regional climate through various factors like prevailing winds, ocean currents, and elevation.

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What drives global climate?

Global climate is primarily driven by sunlight, particularly concentrated in the tropics, the planet's movement, and atmospheric and oceanic circulation.

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Earth's tilt and Seasonality

The Earth's tilt on its axis causes different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, resulting in seasons with distinct lengths of day and night.

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Sunlight intensity and Latitude

Sunlight is more intense at tropical latitudes than at higher latitudes due to the angle at which it hits the Earth's surface. Steeper angles mean more energy per unit area.

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Air rising and cooling

As warm, moist air rises at the equator due to intense sunlight, it cools and condenses, leading to precipitation.

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What happens to water in air as it cools?

When air cools, the water vapor it holds condenses into liquid water, leading to precipitation. This is why rain occurs in areas where air 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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