Eco 8_27

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes the area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn?

Extreme seasonal temperature variations

Tropical climate with minimal seasonal variation (correct)

Consistent freezing temperatures year-round

Continuous daylight in winter

How does the tilt of the Earth affect seasonal variations at the poles?

It ensures a balanced daylight duration throughout the year

It leads to extreme seasonal changes in day length and temperature (correct)

It eliminates temperature variations altogether

It causes continuous daylight for 12 hours each day

What would happen if the Earth's tilt was larger than 23.5 degrees?

More extreme summers and winters would occur (correct)

Day length would remain constant all year

Temperature fluctuations would stabilize

Seasonal variations would become negligible

What pattern describes the seasonal temperature variations between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

While one has summer, the other experiences winter Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the small variations in temperature experienced in the tropics?

Direct solar radiation throughout the year Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the Earth's axial tilt have during June in the Northern Hemisphere?

It causes summer with longer days and more direct sunlight Signup and view all the answers

Why do tropical regions not experience the extreme seasonal changes found at the poles?

They are positioned near the equator Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the sun’s rays during winter in the Northern Hemisphere?

They strike at a lower angle, causing shorter days Signup and view all the answers

What primarily differentiates climate from weather?

Climate encompasses long-term weather patterns. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to short-term variations in climate?

Continental Drift Signup and view all the answers

How does the Coriolis effect influence wind patterns?

It deflects winds and ocean currents based on the Earth's rotation. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Earth's axial tilt play in climate?

It is responsible for the seasonal variations in climate. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how large bodies of water impact climate?

They moderate coastal climates through heat absorption and release. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of changes in Earth's orbital patterns over long periods?

Long-term climate shifts such as ice ages. Signup and view all the answers

Which atmospheric circulation is primarily influenced by the uneven heating of the Earth?

Hadley Cells Signup and view all the answers

What effect does solar radiation have on atmospheric circulation?

It drives atmospheric circulation through uneven heating. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of tropical rainforests?

High temperatures around 80°F year-round Signup and view all the answers

What defines a tropical dry biome?

Dry for up to 8 months with a peak rainy season Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following biomes is characterized by having vegetation adapted to resprout quickly?

Tropical Savanna Signup and view all the answers

Deserts typically cover what percentage of the Earth's land surface?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature characteristic of tropical rainforests?

Temperatures consistently stay around 80°F Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of deserts?

High precipitation Signup and view all the answers

Tropical dry forests can experience up to how many months without rain?

8 months Signup and view all the answers

Which biome features deciduous trees that shed leaves during dry seasons?

Tropical Dry Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation allows succulents to survive in arid environments?

Water storage in stems or leaves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the climatic conditions of Mediterranean Woodland and Shrubland?

Hot/dry summers and wet/mild winters Signup and view all the answers

What is a major factor contributing to the reduction of temperate grasslands?

Agricultural use Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is common in desert soils?

Sandy or rocky texture Signup and view all the answers

What is a common strategy for plants in Mediterranean regions to adapt to fire?

Fire-resistant bark Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the boreal forest affects its temperature throughout the year?

Mild summers and extreme cold winters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following descriptions correctly characterizes ephemeral plants?

They have a rapid lifecycle during wet periods. Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation do sandgrouse have to ensure hydration for their young?

Collecting and storing water Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon at the equator contributes to the creation of low-pressure zones?

Hot air rising Signup and view all the answers

At what latitudes do Hadley Cells typically operate?

0° to 30° Signup and view all the answers

What results from the descending air around 30° latitude in the Hadley Cells?

High-pressure zones Signup and view all the answers

How does the Coriolis effect influence winds in the Northern Hemisphere?

Deflects them rightward Signup and view all the answers

What type of climate is primarily produced by the descending air in the Hadley Cells?

Desert climate Signup and view all the answers

What do Ferrel Cells primarily rely on for their functioning?

Descending air from the Hadley Cell Signup and view all the answers

Which atmospheric circulation pattern is created by the deflection of winds due to the Coriolis effect?

Hadley Cells and westerlies Signup and view all the answers

What weather phenomenon occurs as warm, moist air from the Ferrel Cells meets colder air from the Polar Cells?

Heavy rainfall Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Climate vs. Weather

Climate refers to long-term weather patterns, while weather involves short-term atmospheric conditions.

Forces Affecting Climate Variation

Short-term Variation:
- Solar radiation and Earth's axial tilt (23.5 degrees) influence seasonal climate changes.
- Atmospheric circulation creates weather patterns through large-scale air movements like Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar Cells.
- The Coriolis effect, due to Earth's rotation, deflects winds and ocean currents, affecting regional climates.
- Oceans moderate coastal climates due to their high specific heat capacity, contrasting land's rapid heating and cooling.
Long-term Variation:
- Earth's axial tilt and orbital changes can lead to significant climate shifts, like ice ages.
- Changes in global atmospheric and ocean circulation patterns can alter climate over decades and centuries.

Solar Radiation and Coriolis Effect

Uneven solar radiation heating creates convection cells; warm air rises at the equator, creating low-pressure zones.
Cooled air descends at 30° latitudes, forming high-pressure zones and deserts, supported by Hadley Cells.
The Coriolis effect deflects moving air, influencing wind patterns: right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Atmospheric Circulation Cells

Hadley Cells:
- Located between the equator and 30° latitude.
- Warm air rises, causing rainfall at the equator, then descends, creating dry conditions around 30° latitude.
Ferrel Cells:
- Positioned between 30° and 60° latitude.
- Warm moist air rises at 60° latitude, resulting in stormy weather.
Polar Cells:
- Located at or above 60° latitude with cold air descending and creating high-pressure zones.

Climate Variations by Latitude

Poles: Experience extreme seasonal differences in sunlight and temperature due to the Earth's tilt, resulting in continuous daylight in summer and darkness in winter.
Tropics: Minimal seasonal variations in temperature and daylight due to direct solar radiation year-round.

Earth's Tilt and Seasonal Changes

Earth's axial tilt of 23.5 degrees affects sunlight distribution, resulting in seasons.
When the Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the sun, it experiences summer; the opposite occurs in winter.

Terrestrial Biomes

Tropical Rainforests: Found near the equator, with high biodiversity and average temperatures around 80°F; annual rainfall about 200 mm.
Tropical Dry Forests: Located 0-25 degrees from the equator, experience long dry seasons and are characterized by deciduous trees.
Tropical Savanna: Located 10-20 degrees N/S; consist of grasslands with a short rainy season and long dry periods.
Deserts: Found around 30° latitude, covering 20% of land surface; characterized by high evaporation rates, sparse vegetation, and unique adaptations in plants.
Mediterranean Woodland and Shrubland: Between 30-40 degrees latitude, featuring hot, dry summers, wet, mild winters, and adaptations for fire and drought.
Temperate Grasslands: Found 30-55 degrees latitude; largely converted for agriculture with mild summers and cold winters.
Temperate Forests: 30-50 degrees latitudes, marked by warm summers, cold winters, and consistent rainfall.
Boreal Forest (Taiga): Situated between 50-70 degrees North; characterized by extreme weather variations, covering 11% of global land, and including unique species adaptations.

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Description

Test your understanding of the differences between climate and weather. This quiz covers key concepts such as short-term and long-term variations in climate caused by solar radiation and Earth’s tilt.