Unit 2 Review: Weather and Climate

Six factors influence Earth's climate: Earth's position in space, uneven heating of land and water, ocean currents, air masses, relief barriers, and global pressure belts.

Earth's tilt and orbit around the sun affect the amount of solar radiation received at different times of the year, impacting climate.

The angle at which sunlight strikes Earth's surface. A steeper angle means more concentrated solar radiation, while a shallower angle spreads the same amount of radiation over a larger area.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, maintaining a habitable temperature. Without it, Earth's average temperature would be much lower.

The balance of solar energy entering and leaving Earth's system. Approximately half of the sun's energy reaches Earth's surface.

Land and water absorb and release heat at different rates. Land heats up and cools down faster than water.

A climate type characterized by large temperature differences between seasons, with hotter summers and colder winters than maritime climates; often with less precipitation.

Ocean currents transport heat around the globe and affect the temperature of nearby landmasses. Warm currents warm nearby land, cool currents cool nearby land.

Warm currents increase humidity and precipitation, while cold currents decrease moisture, leading to dryness.

A large body of air with uniform moisture, pressure, and temperature.

Air masses transport weather patterns long distances, influencing regional climates.

Boundary where two unlike air masses meet, creating weather changes.

Produces violent, sudden, short bursts of showers.

Creates gentle, but longer-lasting, showers.

Rising air cools (adiabatic cooling) and descending air warms (adiabatic warming) due to changes in pressure and expansion.

Rain or snow that forms when a moving air mass encounters a mountain, causing condensation and precipitation.

The rate at which an air mass cools as it rises in elevation, without condensation. It's approximately 1 degree Celsius per 100 meters.

The rate at which an air mass cools as it rises, with condensation occurring. It's slower than the DALR, around 0.6 degrees Celsius per 100 meters.

A region where a tall column of air presses down, resulting in cool, descending air. Associated with clear skies and dry weather.

A region where less air mass exists above, resulting in warm, moist, and ascending air. Often associated with clouds and precipitation.

A line on a weather map connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure. Similar to a contour line on a topographic map, showing areas of similar air weight.

A circular motion of air, driven by temperature differences. Warm air rises, cools, and then descends, creating a continuous loop.

Large-scale pressure systems that encircle the Earth, driven by convection currents. They influence weather patterns and create distinct climate zones.

Strong, dry winds that blow from the east across Southern California, often causing wildfires. These winds are warm and dry due to the descending air from a high-pressure system.

Warm ocean currents bring humidity and precipitation to coastal regions.

Cold ocean currents draw moisture out of coastal regions, leading to a dry climate.

A large body of air with uniform moisture, pressure, and temperature.

Air masses move weather patterns long distances, influencing regional climates.

A boundary zone where two different air masses meet.

Rising air cools as it expands, because particles move farther apart and can't transfer heat as efficiently.

A climate pattern that occurs in the Pacific Ocean, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures and changes in atmospheric circulation. It can lead to various weather anomalies globally.

The Earth's tilt on its axis causes different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to seasons.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping Earth warm enough to support life. Without it, Earth would be too cold.

Land heats up and cools down faster than water because land absorbs and releases heat more quickly, while water stores heat more gradually.

Continental climates have larger temperature differences between seasons, while maritime climates have smaller differences. Continental climates are often drier.

Ocean currents transport heat around the globe, influencing the climates of nearby landmasses. Warm currents warm nearby areas, while cold currents cool them.

Climate graphs show temperature and precipitation patterns. Continental climates have a larger temperature range and less precipitation, while maritime climates have a smaller temperature range and more precipitation.