Weather and Climate

Weather refers to short-term changes in temperature, precipitation, clouds, and wind, while climate refers to long-term patterns and averages over many years.

Weather and climate can shape the success or failure of crops, and can impact natural populations, communities, and ecosystems.

Earth's average temperature is determined by the balance between the amount of heat that stays in the atmosphere and the amount of heat that is lost to space, which is largely controlled by the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

<p>The greenhouse effect is a phenomenon where certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, causing Earth to be warmer. Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be about 30 degrees Celsius cooler than it is today.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Changes in global cycles of matter driven by both nonhuman causes and human activities can affect the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. An increase in greenhouse gas concentrations leads to more heat retention and warming of Earth, while a decrease leads to more heat escape and cooling of Earth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Uneven heating of Earth's surface creates rising and sinking air, which in turn creates circulating cells of air that generate winds. These winds blow from west to east in the temperate zones, and from east to west in the tropics and polar regions. Ocean currents are also influenced by patterns of warming and cooling, winds, and the locations of continents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Surface currents in the ocean, such as the warm Gulf Stream along the east coast of North America, can carry heat from one region to another, thereby moderating winter temperatures in coastal areas. The cool California Current along the West coast can bring cold water southwards, cooling the Pacific Northwest and the California coast.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Short-term changes in temperature, precipitation, clouds, and wind.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Climate is more predictable compared to weather.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor act like glass in a greenhouse, allowing visible light to enter but trapping heat, thus affecting Earth's temperature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The three main climate zones on Earth are tropical, temperate, and polar. The tropical zone is located between 23.5° north and 23.5° south latitudes near the equator. The temperate zones are located between 23.5° and 66.5° north and south latitudes. The polar zones lie beyond the temperate zones, between 66.5° and 90° north and south latitudes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The greenhouse effect is a phenomenon that allows Earth to retain heat. Without it, Earth would be about 30 degrees Celsius cooler than it is today. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. This leads to a warming effect on Earth's surface and atmosphere.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The uneven heating of Earth's surface creates differences in air density. Warm air near the equator expands, becomes less dense, and rises, while cold air over the poles sinks. This pattern of rising and sinking air creates circulating cells of air that give rise to winds. Additionally, the interaction between atmosphere and hydrosphere, driven by patterns of warming and cooling, winds, and the locations of continents, shapes ocean currents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Prevailing winds, which blow from west to east over both land and sea in the temperate zones, and from east to west over the tropics and the poles, play a significant role in shaping weather patterns. These winds are influenced by the uneven heating of Earth's surface and the rotation of the planet. Similarly, ocean currents, driven by patterns of warming and cooling, winds, and the locations of continents, greatly impact weather and climate. Surface currents in the ocean can transport heat and moisture, which can in turn influence temperature and weather conditions in coastal areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers