Weather and Climate

1. Weather and Climate

2. Sun & Latitude • Weather: condition of the atmosphere at a given time & place • Climate: weather conditions in a geographic region over a long time • tilt of the Earth as it revolves around the Sun is impt. in determination of weather/climate

3. Sun & Latitude continued • Earth absorbs Sun’s energy=solar energy converted into heat • Temperature: measurement of heat • Earth’s atmosphere traps heat energy in a process called the greenhouse effect • Helps keep the planet warm • Evidence shows the Earth has gotten warmer in recent decades --- global warming

4. Sun & Latitude continued • Causes of Global Warming: • Burning coal, natural gas & oil adds carbon dioxide to the lower atmosphere

5. Precipitation • Water vapor plays an important role in atmospheric processes • w/out it there would be no clouds, rain, or storms • Evaporation: process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas • Amt. of water vapor in the air is called humidity

6. Precipitation continued • The higher the temperature, the more water vapor the air can hold • When air cools, it will reach a temperature at which it cannot hold anymore water vapor ---- then condensation occurs • Condensation: process by which water vapor changes from a gas into liquid droplets • Types of condensation: clouds, dew, fog, frost, rain (if condensed water droplets become large enough)

7. Elevation & Mountain Effects • High elevation affects weather & climate • Increase in elevation, drop in temperature • Orographic Effect – when clouds/weather hit the side of a mountain, they are forced up. As they rise, the temperature drops & causes precipitation. • Windward – side of the mountain facing the wind; receives most of the precipitation. • Leeward – back side of the mountain; receives very little precipitation.

8. Rain Shadow – Area behind the leeward side of a mountain; usually a desert.

9. Storms • Sudden violent weather events • Tornadoes: twisting spirals of air • U.S. experiences more than any other country • Hurricanes: most powerful/destructive tropical cyclones • Heavy rains/high winds/155 mph • Begin over warm tropical seas, usually in the Atlantic Ocean • flooding

10. Storms continued • Typhoons • Western Pacific Ocean • Dangerous high waves • Produce thunderstorms/tornadoes • flooding

11. Tropical Climates • Tropical Humid Climate • close to the Equator • Warm temps/rainfall • Tropical Wet Dry Climate • Just to the north & south of the tropical humid climate • Tropical savanna climate • This climate will support savannas: areas of tropical grasslands, scattered trees, shrubs

12. Dry Climates • Arid Climate • Desert climate • 30˚ north & south of the Equator • Subtropical high-pressure zone • Can lie deep in the interior of continents • Semiarid Climate • Transition zone btwn arid climate & more humid climates • sunny & warm year-round but receive more rain that arid deserts

13. Middle Latitude Climates • Mediterranean Climate • Coastal area of southern Europe, west coasts of continents w/ cool ocean currents • Long, sunny, dry summers • Mild winters • Humid Subtropical Climate • Eastern side of continents where there are warm ocean currents • Hot/humid summers • Mild winters w/ some snow • 2 types of forests --- deciduous (lose leaves) & coniferous (green all year)

14. Middle Latitude Climates continued • Marine West Coast • Heavily influenced by oceans • Generally found on west coasts of continents • Winters are foggy, cloudy, rainy • Mild temperatures all year long • Humid Continental Climate • Found in interiors & east coasts of upper-middle latitude continents • Can experience 4 distinct seasons