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Learn about the key concept of climate and its impact on the biosphere. Discover the importance of temperature, sunlight, water, and wind in shaping climate. Explore the three main climate zones: polar, tropical, and temperate. Understand how solar heating, wind, ocean currents, Earth's rotation, and tilt contribute to climate patterns. Explore how landmasses and mountains shape inland climates, while oceans influence coastal climates. Lastly, discover how organisms adapt to survive in different climates.
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KEY CONCEPT Climate is a key abiotic factor that affects the biosphere.
Climate is the prevailing weather of a region. • Climate is the long-term pattern of weather conditions. • average temperature • precipitation • relative humidity • Key factors shape an area’s climate. • temperature • sunlight • water • wind
A microclimate is the climate of a small specific place within a larger area.
Earth has three main climate zones. • The three main zones are the polar, tropical, and temperate climates. • polar climate: the far northernand southern regions ofEarth • tropical zone: surrounds the equator • temperate zone: the wide area in betweenthe polar and tropical zones
90 N polar temperate tropical temperate polar • The angle of the Sun’s rays help determine an area’s climate.
Solar heating causes movements in both water and air. • wind • ocean currents • Earth’s rotation also has effects on the winds and currents • Earth’s tilt on its axis plays a role in seasonal change.
Landmasses shape inland climates. • larger changes in temperatures • less precipitation • Oceans shape coastal climates. • smaller changes in temperatures • higher humidity • more precipitation
western slope eastern slope • Precipitation occurs on the side of the mountain facing the wind. • On the downwind side, drier and cooler air produce a rain shadow. • A rain shadow is an area of decreased precipitation. • Mountains have an effect on climate.
Many organisms survive in a specific climate due to their adaptations.