Climate, Weather, and Life PDF

z Climate, Weather, and Life  z OBJECTIVES - Explain how weather and climate differ. - Describe how Earth’s climate and average temperature are determined. - Explain the causes of ocean currents. - Identify the factors that shape regional climates. - Explain the processes involved in climate ch...

z Climate, Weather, and Life  z OBJECTIVES - Explain how weather and climate differ. - Describe how Earth’s climate and average temperature are determined. - Explain the causes of ocean currents. - Identify the factors that shape regional climates. - Explain the processes involved in climate change.  z Climate: Refers to long-term patterns and averages of temperature, precipitation, clouds, and wind over extended periods, typically 30 years or more. It also encompasses the frequency of extreme weather events, such as: Heat waves Weather and climate Droughts Floods difference Weather: Involves short-term changes in atmospheric conditions, including temperature, precipitation, clouds, and wind. Weather can vary from hour to hour or day to day, making it less predictable. For example: Sunny mornings can turn into rainy afternoons. Weather and climate also shape natural populations, communities, and ecosystems. Ex: Plant Communities Desert Ecosystems: In arid climates ,plants like cactus have adapted to conserve water. Their growth patterns and survival strategies are directly influenced by low precipitation and high temperatures.  z The Global Climate System The global climate system is a complex network that includes: 1.Atmosphere: The layer of gases around the Earth that affects weather and climate. 2.Ocean: Large bodies of water that store heat and influence climate patterns. 3.Land: The Earth's surface, including mountains, forests, deserts, and soils, which can absorb or reflect heat and moisture. 4.Ice: Glaciers and polar ice caps that affect sea levels and reflect sunlight. z z GREEN HOUSE EFFECT  z Solar Energy and Climate Source of Climate: The main force shaping Earth's climate is solar energy from the Sun. Energy Interaction: When sunlight strikes the Earth: Some of the energy is reflected back into space. Some is absorbed and converted into heat. A portion of this heat is then re-radiated back into space.  z Solar Energy and Climate Temperature Balance: Earth’s average temperature is determined by:  The balance between heat that stays in the atmosphere.  The heat that escapes into space.  Greenhouse Effect z Greenhouse Gases: Key gases in the atmosphere that control this balance include: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) Methane (CH₄) Water vapor (H₂O) These gases are known as greenhouse gases. Function of Greenhouse Gases: Greenhouse gases act like glass in a greenhouse: They allow visible light to enter. They trap heat, preventing it from escaping. Impact of the Greenhouse Effect: Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would be about 30 degrees Celsius cooler. This effect is crucial for maintaining a temperature that supports life.  z Human Influence and Natural Cycles Global Cycles: Greenhouse gases enter and leave the atmosphere through natural cycles (like the carbon cycle). These cycles can be affected by both natural processes and human activities. Consequences of Concentration Changes: If greenhouse gas concentrations increase, more heat is trapped, leading to global warming. If concentrations decrease, more heat escapes, causing cooling. Earth's Shape and Tilt Earth is curved and tilted on its axis, which affects how solar radiation strikes its surface. Variation in Solar Angles Solar radiation hits the Earth at varying angles: Near the equator, the sun is often directly overhead at noon. Near the poles, the sun strikes at a much lower angle. Concentrated Sunlight (at the equator) = More Heat. Spread Out Sunlight (at the poles) = Less Heat. Day Length Variation Near the equator, day length remains relatively consistent throughout the year. North and south of the equator, day length varies more significantly with the seasons: In winter, days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky.  z Climate Zones Created by Temperature The variation in heat received leads to the formation of three Differences main climate zones: Tropical Zone: Located between 23.5° north and 23.5° south latitudes. Characterized by warm or hot temperatures year-round. Temperate Zones: Found between 23.5° and 66.5° north and south latitudes. Features distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Polar Zones: Situated beyond 66.5° north and south latitudes. Experiences extremely cold winters and mild summers. Study of interactions between organisms and their environment a) NICHE b) ECOLOGY c) ECOSYSTEM d) COMMUNITY Non-living factor that affects an ecosystem a) BIOTIC FACTORS b) ABIOTIC FACTORS c) FOOD CHAIN d) BIOME The non-living parts of the environment such as rocks, air, temperature, sunlight, and water a) BIOTIC FACTORS b) ABIOTIC FACTORS c) FOOD CHAIN d) BIOME The living or once living organisms in an ecosystem a) Biology b) Biotic c) Abiotic d) Ecology Below is a list of factors in an ecosystem. Select all the abiotic factors a) Shelter b) Water c) Protists d) Prokaryotes e) Sunlight All of the water in earth is in the hydrosphere a) true b) false is the part of Earth where life exists a) Biosphere b) Atmosphere c) Geosphere d) Hydrosphere