Climate Types Flashcards - Chapter 14

Climate Classifications

• Tropical climate: characterized by tropical wet and tropical wet and dry conditions
• Mild Climates: include Mediterranean, Humid subtropical, and Marine west coast climates
• Dry climates: include Semiarid, arid, and arid climates
• Continental Climates: include warm summer, cool summer, and subarctic climates
• Polar climates: include Tundra, Ice cap, and Highlands climates

Koppen Climate Classification System

• Based on average monthly values of temperature and precipitation
• Also considers types of trees and plants that grow in different climates

Microclimates

• Localized climates that differ from the main regional climate
• Example: a valley with a unique climate compared to the surrounding mountains

Climate Zones

• Continental zone: influenced by tropical, polar, and continental air masses
• Tropical zone: influenced by air masses from the south and west
• Polar zone: influenced by air masses from the north and east

Long-term Climatic Change

• Example: ice ages, where glaciers have advanced and retreated over the past 20 years
• Causes: changes in global temperatures, sea levels, and weather patterns

Seasons

• Short-term periods with specific weather conditions
• Caused by differences in daylight, temperature, and weather patterns
• Result from the Earth's tilt on its axis

Volcanic Activity and Climate

• Volcanic aerosols can remain suspended in the atmosphere for several years
• Block incoming solar radiation, lowering global temperatures
• Effects can be short-term or long-term climatic changes

Earth's Orbit and Tilt

• If the Earth's orbit became more elliptical, the tilt of its axis would increase
• Seasons would be warmer, with more tropical weather patterns
• Potential effects on global climate and weather patterns

Explore essential climate types with these flashcards from Chapter 14. This quiz covers various climate classifications including tropical, mild, dry, continental, and polar climates. Test your knowledge and enhance your understanding of global climates.