Climate and Vegetation

Weather and Climate Concepts

• Day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere are referred to as weather.
• The median is the value that lies in the middle of the highest and lowest numbers in a dataset.
• Observations over 20 to 30 years help determine a place's climate.
• Temperature is described using the terms hot and cold.

Rainforest Characteristics

• The term canopy refers to the upper layer of the rainforest formed by the tops of trees, providing habitat and shelter for many species.
• Climates can be categorized as hot, mild, and cold.
• Humidity describes the wet and sticky air that causes discomfort.

General Terminology

• A region is defined as a large area with common characteristics.
• Vegetation refers to the plant life or plant communities in a certain area.
• Two important parts of climate are temperature and precipitation.

Rainforest and Desert Climates

• The tropical rainforest region is characterized by hot, humid weather with almost daily thunderstorms.
• Average yearly temperature in rainforest regions is typically around 20-30°C.
• Consequences of rainforest destruction include loss of biodiversity and disruption of climate patterns.

Desert Environment

• The Sahara Desert is recognized as the world's largest hot desert.
• Hot deserts receive an average of less than 250 mm of rainfall per year.
• Desert plants often have deep roots as an adaptation to access scarce water.
• Animals like foxes and rodents are typically nocturnal in hot desert environments.

Human Populations and Adaptations

• Approximately 2.5 million people live in the Sahara Desert.
• Desert nomads adapt by migrating to find resources and using traditional knowledge of the landscape.
• A primary reason for deforestation in rainforests is agriculture.

Forests and Human Interaction

• Coniferous trees typify temperate coniferous forests, noted for their needle-like leaves.
• Main human activity in coniferous forests is logging.
• Thick tents used by the Tuareg people provide protection from Sun and heat during the day, and insulation at night.
• In extreme heat, Tuareg people can experience dehydration due to their clothing.
• The Sahara contains valuable minerals such as gold and phosphates.

Water Resources and Adaptations

• The primary source of water for desert settlements is usually underground aquifers or oases.
• Temperate coniferous forests experience a temperate climate with seasonal changes.
• Shade cloth in desert settlements helps to reduce sun exposure and maintain cooler temperatures.
• Needle-like leaves of coniferous trees help reduce water loss and withstand heavy snowfall.
• Adaptations of coniferous trees for cold climates include thick bark and cone-shaped branches to shed snow.