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Introduction. Weather is the condition of the atmosphere in one place during a short period of time. . Climate is the term for weather patterns that an area typically experiences during a long period of time.  Both weather and climate are influenced by… . direct sunlight.  - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. Introduction Climate Climate is the term for weather patterns that an area typically is the term for weather patterns that an area typically experiences during a long period of time. experiences during a long period of time. Both weather and climate are Both weather and climate are influenced by… influenced by… Weather Weather is the condition of the atmosphere is the condition of the atmosphere in one place during a short period of time. in one place during a short period of time. direct sunlight. direct sunlight. ocean currents. ocean currents. winds. winds. the features of the earth’s surface. the features of the earth’s surface.
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Introduction

ClimateClimate is the term for weather patterns that an area typically experiences during a is the term for weather patterns that an area typically experiences during a long period of time.long period of time.

Both weather and climate are Both weather and climate are influenced by… influenced by…

WeatherWeather is the condition of the atmosphere is the condition of the atmosphere in one place during a short period of time. in one place during a short period of time.

direct sunlight. direct sunlight. ocean currents. ocean currents. winds. winds. the features of the earth’s surface.the features of the earth’s surface.

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The earth’s atmosphere keeps heat from escaping back into space too quickly, creating The earth’s atmosphere keeps heat from escaping back into space too quickly, creating a greenhouse effect, which traps the sun’s warmth for growing plants. a greenhouse effect, which traps the sun’s warmth for growing plants.

Without this greenhouse effect, the earth would be too cold for most living things.Without this greenhouse effect, the earth would be too cold for most living things.

A small amount of the sun’s radiation reaches the earth’s A small amount of the sun’s radiation reaches the earth’s atmosphere; however, enough remains to warm the atmosphere; however, enough remains to warm the earth’s land and water. earth’s land and water.

The Greenhouse Effect

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Because the Earth’s axis is tilted at a 23½° angle, not all places on earth receive the Because the Earth’s axis is tilted at a 23½° angle, not all places on earth receive the same amount of direct sunlight. same amount of direct sunlight.

The earth’s tilt affects theThe earth’s tilt affects the temperaturetemperature– – a measure of how hot or cold something is–a measure of how hot or cold something is–of placesof places..

The earth has anThe earth has an axisaxis–an–an imaginary line that runs through imaginary line that runs through its center between the North Pole and the South Pole. its center between the North Pole and the South Pole.

Earth’s Tilt and Rotation

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The earth rotates, or spins, on its axis from west to east, The earth rotates, or spins, on its axis from west to east, making one complete rotation every 24 hours, and causing making one complete rotation every 24 hours, and causing day and night.day and night.

Earth’s Tilt and Rotation (cont.)

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The earth’sThe earth’s revolutionrevolution, , or trip around the sun, takes 1 year, or 365¼ days, which results in or trip around the sun, takes 1 year, or 365¼ days, which results in the changing of seasons and the amount of daylight. the changing of seasons and the amount of daylight.

March 21 and September 23 areMarch 21 and September 23 are calledcalled equinoxesequinoxes because the sun is directly over the because the sun is directly over the equator and the days and nights are equal in length, marking the beginning of spring or fall.equator and the days and nights are equal in length, marking the beginning of spring or fall.

While rotating on its axis, the earth also While rotating on its axis, the earth also travels in an orbit, or path, around the sun. travels in an orbit, or path, around the sun.

Earth’s Revolution

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June 21 and December 22 are called June 21 and December 22 are called solsticessolstices because the because the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer or the Tropic of sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer or the Tropic of Capricorn, marking the beginning of summer or winter. Capricorn, marking the beginning of summer or winter.

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The amount of sunlight at the poles varies most dramatically as the earth’s The amount of sunlight at the poles varies most dramatically as the earth’s revolution and tilt cause the changing seasons. revolution and tilt cause the changing seasons.

For six months one Pole is slanted toward the sun, receiving continuous sunlight, For six months one Pole is slanted toward the sun, receiving continuous sunlight, while the other Pole is slanted away from the sun, receiving no sunlight.while the other Pole is slanted away from the sun, receiving no sunlight.

Earth’s Revolution (cont.)

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Chart Chart Supplement Supplement

1.11.1

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What latitude is the Tropic of Cancer? Tropic of Capricorn?

The Tropic of Cancer is 23° N.The Tropic of Capricorn is 23° S.

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Why does March 21 generally mark the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere?

The sun is directly over the Equator.

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End of End of Section 1Section 1

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Section 2Section 2

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Introduction The climate of a location depends in part on latitude, The climate of a location depends in part on latitude,

elevation, wind and ocean currents, and landforms.elevation, wind and ocean currents, and landforms.

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Latitude Bands of latitude can be used to generally Bands of latitude can be used to generally

describe the climate in certain climate zones. describe the climate in certain climate zones.

PLACE

The zones indicate how the sun’s rays strike places within the zones. The zones indicate how the sun’s rays strike places within the zones. During the earth’s yearly revolution around the sun, the sun’s direct During the earth’s yearly revolution around the sun, the sun’s direct

rays fall on the earth in a regular pattern.rays fall on the earth in a regular pattern.

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The low latitudes receive direct rays of the sun year-The low latitudes receive direct rays of the sun year-round, have a very warm to very hot climate, and are round, have a very warm to very hot climate, and are often said to be in the tropics.often said to be in the tropics.

The latitudes between the Tropic of Cancer and the The latitudes between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are known as the low latitudes. Tropic of Capricorn are known as the low latitudes.

Low Latitudes

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Starting on about June 21, the sun never sets above a line called the Arctic Circle Starting on about June 21, the sun never sets above a line called the Arctic Circle (66½° N). (66½° N).

In the Southern Hemisphere, the Antarctic Circle (66½° S) is a line that marks the In the Southern Hemisphere, the Antarctic Circle (66½° S) is a line that marks the boundary of endless daylight starting on about December 22.boundary of endless daylight starting on about December 22.

When either the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern When either the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, its polar area receives Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, its polar area receives continuous sunlight. continuous sunlight.

Polar Areas

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The high latitudes receive slanted rays The high latitudes receive slanted rays of the sun throughout the year and have a generally cold climate. of the sun throughout the year and have a generally cold climate.

The latitudes between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere and The latitudes between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere and between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle in the Southern Hemisphere are known as the between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Antarctic Circle in the Southern Hemisphere are known as the middle latitudes. middle latitudes.

The latitudes between the North Pole and the Arctic Circle The latitudes between the North Pole and the Arctic Circle and between the South Pole and the Antarctic Circle are and between the South Pole and the Antarctic Circle are known as the high latitudes. known as the high latitudes.

High and Middle Latitudes

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The weather of most places in the middle The weather of most places in the middle latitudes changes dramatically with the seasons.latitudes changes dramatically with the seasons.

Many places in the middle latitudes have a temperate Many places in the middle latitudes have a temperate climate–one that ranges from fairly hot to fairly cold. climate–one that ranges from fairly hot to fairly cold.

High and Middle Latitudes (cont.)

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Elevation The temperature of a place depends The temperature of a place depends

on its elevation. on its elevation.

PLACE

The earth’s atmosphere gets thinner as altitude increases, so air temperatures decrease with elevation. The earth’s atmosphere gets thinner as altitude increases, so air temperatures decrease with elevation.

For every 1,000 feet gained, the temperature drops about 3.5°F. For every 1,000 feet gained, the temperature drops about 3.5°F. High mountains are generally cold places covered with ice and snow year-round, even though sunlight High mountains are generally cold places covered with ice and snow year-round, even though sunlight

is very bright.is very bright.

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Wind and Ocean Currents Wind and water combine with the effects of the sun Wind and water combine with the effects of the sun

to create the weather and climates of the earth. to create the weather and climates of the earth.

MOVEMENT

Wind is air moving across the surface of the earth and Wind is air moving across the surface of the earth and occurs when temperatures create differences in air occurs when temperatures create differences in air pressure.pressure.

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Trade winds are the prevailing winds in the low latitudes, blowing toward the Trade winds are the prevailing winds in the low latitudes, blowing toward the Equator from about 30° N latitude and 30° S latitude. Equator from about 30° N latitude and 30° S latitude.

Westerlies are the prevailing winds in the belts between 30° N and 60° N Westerlies are the prevailing winds in the belts between 30° N and 60° N latitude and between 30° S and 60° S latitude.latitude and between 30° S and 60° S latitude.

Prevailing windsPrevailing winds are winds that blow in fairly constant are winds that blow in fairly constant patterns and are divided into belts of latitude. patterns and are divided into belts of latitude.

Wind Patterns

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Easterlies blow somewhat from east to west and push cold Easterlies blow somewhat from east to west and push cold polar air toward the middle latitudes. polar air toward the middle latitudes.

TheThe doldrumsdoldrums is a frequently windless area at the Equator.is a frequently windless area at the Equator.

Easterlies lie between 60° N latitude and the North Easterlies lie between 60° N latitude and the North Pole and between 60° S latitude and the South Pole. Pole and between 60° S latitude and the South Pole.

Wind Patterns (cont.)

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Map Map Supplement Supplement

2.12.1

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OceanOcean currentscurrents, , cold and warm “rivers” of seawater, cold and warm “rivers” of seawater, generally move clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and generally move clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Currents are caused by... Currents are caused by...

Ocean Currents

the rotation of the earth. the rotation of the earth. moving air. moving air. differences in the ocean’s water temperature. differences in the ocean’s water temperature.

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Water and winds interact with temperature to causeWater and winds interact with temperature to cause precipitationprecipitation– – the falling of moisture to the earth in the falling of moisture to the earth in the form of rain, sleet, hail, or snow.the form of rain, sleet, hail, or snow.

Ocean currents affect the climates of Ocean currents affect the climates of coastal lands that they flow along. coastal lands that they flow along.

Ocean Currents (cont.)

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Landforms The earth’s surface features can also The earth’s surface features can also

affect climates. affect climates.

PLACE

Temperatures of land areas located near oceans do not change as much as Temperatures of land areas located near oceans do not change as much as temperatures of interior land areas. temperatures of interior land areas.

Interior land areas experience much hotter summers and much colder winters than Interior land areas experience much hotter summers and much colder winters than land areas near the ocean.land areas near the ocean.

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Landforms (cont.) Temperatures, precipitation, and surface Temperatures, precipitation, and surface

features interact with wind to affect climate. features interact with wind to affect climate.

PLACE

Winds that blow over an ocean and then meet a mountain range on theWinds that blow over an ocean and then meet a mountain range on the windward windward sideside––the side facing the direction from which the wind is blowing–are pushed upward. the side facing the direction from which the wind is blowing–are pushed upward.

The air that descends the other side of the mountains, theThe air that descends the other side of the mountains, the leewardleeward side, is dry and side, is dry and becomes warmer as it falls, resulting in a dry area called abecomes warmer as it falls, resulting in a dry area called a rain shadowrain shadow..

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What and where are the trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies?

Trade winds blow in the low latitudes. Westerlies blow west to east in the middle latitudes. Polar easterlies blow east to west from the poles.

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What factors affect climate in your region?

Latitude, elevation, and currents affect climate.

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End of End of Section 2Section 2

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Section 3Section 3

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Introduction

Geographers often divide the earth Geographers often divide the earth into five major climate regions: into five major climate regions:

Climate affects the soil andClimate affects the soil and natural vegetationnatural vegetation––thethe plant plant life that grows in an area if people have not changed the life that grows in an area if people have not changed the natural environment. natural environment.

tropical tropical dry dry mid-latitude mid-latitude high latitude high latitude highlandhighland

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Tropical Climates Tropical climate regions are found in Tropical climate regions are found in

or near the low latitudes. or near the low latitudes.

REGION

The two kinds of tropical climate regions are The two kinds of tropical climate regions are tropical rain forest and tropical savanna.tropical rain forest and tropical savanna.

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Tropical rain forest vegetation grows thick in layers formed at different heights. Tropical rain forest vegetation grows thick in layers formed at different heights. The Amazon River basin in South America contains the world’s largest tropical rain forest. The Amazon River basin in South America contains the world’s largest tropical rain forest. The same climate is found in other parts of South America, in the Caribbean area, and in The same climate is found in other parts of South America, in the Caribbean area, and in

parts of Africa and Asia.parts of Africa and Asia.

Tropical rain forest climate regions are hot and wet Tropical rain forest climate regions are hot and wet throughout the year and are found near the Equator. throughout the year and are found near the Equator.

Tropical Rain Forest Climate

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Savannas are located farther from the Equator than tropical rain forest Savannas are located farther from the Equator than tropical rain forest regions. regions.

Savannas are characterized by high temperatures, clumps of coarse grass, Savannas are characterized by high temperatures, clumps of coarse grass, and few trees.and few trees.

Tropical savanna climate regions have a dry Tropical savanna climate regions have a dry season in winter and a wet season in summer. season in winter and a wet season in summer.

Tropical Savanna Climate

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Dry Climates Because of vegetation, dry climate regions are Because of vegetation, dry climate regions are

also divided into two types–desert and steppe.also divided into two types–desert and steppe.

REGION

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Scattered vegetation such as scrubs and cacti can survive with little rain. Scattered vegetation such as scrubs and cacti can survive with little rain. Underground springs, however, may support anUnderground springs, however, may support an oasisoasis, , an area of lush vegetation. an area of lush vegetation. Deserts can be extremely hot during the day and cold at night. Deserts can be extremely hot during the day and cold at night. Desert climates cover about one-fifth of the earth’s land surface.Desert climates cover about one-fifth of the earth’s land surface.

Deserts are areas with sparse plant life. Deserts are areas with sparse plant life. Desert Climate

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Steppe vegetation consists of bushes and patches of short grasses without Steppe vegetation consists of bushes and patches of short grasses without many trees. many trees.

The largest steppe stretches across eastern Europe and western and central The largest steppe stretches across eastern Europe and western and central Asia.Asia.

Dry areas, often bordering deserts, Dry areas, often bordering deserts, are called steppes. are called steppes.

Steppe Climate

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Mid-latitude Climates The world has four mid-latitude The world has four mid-latitude

climate regions: climate regions:

REGION

marine west coast marine west coast Mediterranean Mediterranean humid subtropical humid subtropical humid continentalhumid continental

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Ocean winds produce cool summersOcean winds produce cool summersand mild but damp winters. and mild but damp winters.

Rainfall is quite heavy in places, and it supports both evergreen andRainfall is quite heavy in places, and it supports both evergreen and deciduousdeciduous treestrees. . Most deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn and have broad leaves. Most deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn and have broad leaves. Mixed forestsMixed forests are those with both evergreen and deciduous trees.are those with both evergreen and deciduous trees.

Marine west coast climate regions are found along western Marine west coast climate regions are found along western coastlines between latitudes 30° and 60° north and south. coastlines between latitudes 30° and 60° north and south.

Marine West Coast Climate

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These regions are generally found in coastal lands between latitudes 30° and 40° north and south.These regions are generally found in coastal lands between latitudes 30° and 40° north and south. They have mild rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. They have mild rainy winters and hot, sunny summers. Vegetation in Mediterranean climate regions is calledVegetation in Mediterranean climate regions is called chaparralchaparral, , which includes woody bushes and which includes woody bushes and

short trees that grow in dense forests.short trees that grow in dense forests.

Areas that have weather patterns Areas that have weather patterns and vegetation like those near the Mediterranean Sea are and vegetation like those near the Mediterranean Sea are called Mediterranean climate regions. called Mediterranean climate regions.

Mediterranean Climate

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Rain falls throughout the year with heavy summer thunderstorms, while winters are generally short and mild. Rain falls throughout the year with heavy summer thunderstorms, while winters are generally short and mild.

Vegetation in humid subtropical climate regions includes grasslands, orVegetation in humid subtropical climate regions includes grasslands, or prairieprairie lands, and forests. lands, and forests. Forests consist of a mixture of broad-leaved evergreen trees, deciduous trees, and needle-leaved Forests consist of a mixture of broad-leaved evergreen trees, deciduous trees, and needle-leaved

evergreens.evergreens.

Humid subtropical climate regions have a pattern of wind Humid subtropical climate regions have a pattern of wind and high pressure related to nearby oceans, which causes and high pressure related to nearby oceans, which causes high humidity. high humidity.

Humid Subtropical Climate

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The farther north in the humid continental climate The farther north in the humid continental climate regions, the longer and more severe are the snowy regions, the longer and more severe are the snowy winters and the shorter and cooler the summers.winters and the shorter and cooler the summers.

Humid continental climates are more influenced by Humid continental climates are more influenced by landmasses than by winds, precipitation, or ocean landmasses than by winds, precipitation, or ocean temperatures. temperatures.

Humid Continental Climate

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High Latitude Climates There are three types of high latitude There are three types of high latitude

climates: climates:

REGION

subarctic subarctic tundra tundra ice cap ice cap

The subarctic climate regions lie just south of the Arctic Circle. The subarctic climate regions lie just south of the Arctic Circle. In some places only a thin layer of surface soil thaws. The In some places only a thin layer of surface soil thaws. The

frozen subsoil is known asfrozen subsoil is known as permafrostpermafrost..

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One vast subarctic forest stretches across northern Russia. One vast subarctic forest stretches across northern Russia. Geographers often useGeographers often use taigataiga, , the Russian word for this forest, the Russian word for this forest,

to refer to subarctic climate regions in general.to refer to subarctic climate regions in general.

The subarctic’s severe conditions limit the variety of The subarctic’s severe conditions limit the variety of plant life to mainly needle-leaved evergreen trees. plant life to mainly needle-leaved evergreen trees.

Subarctic Climate

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In summer the sun’s slanted rays bring constant light but little heat. In summer the sun’s slanted rays bring constant light but little heat. The tundra region’s thin soil above the permafrost supports only The tundra region’s thin soil above the permafrost supports only

certain low plants and lichens–plants that grow on rocks.certain low plants and lichens–plants that grow on rocks.

The tundra climate regions have bitterly The tundra climate regions have bitterly cold winters with greatly reduced sunlight. cold winters with greatly reduced sunlight.

Tundra Climate

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Because monthly temperatures average below freezing, ice Because monthly temperatures average below freezing, ice cap climate regions support no vegetation, except a few cap climate regions support no vegetation, except a few species that can live on rocks.species that can live on rocks.

Ice Cap Climate

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Highland Climates In mountain areas the climate varies with elevation. In mountain areas the climate varies with elevation.

The higher the altitude, the cooler the air. The higher the altitude, the cooler the air.

REGION

Near the bases of mountains, deciduous and evergreen forests grow. Near the bases of mountains, deciduous and evergreen forests grow. Higher up are meadows with small trees and shrubs. Higher up are meadows with small trees and shrubs. Above theAbove the timberlinetimberline, , the elevation above which it is too cold for trees to grow, are the elevation above which it is too cold for trees to grow, are

scattered tundra plants.scattered tundra plants.

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Climatic Changes Climates change gradually over time. During the last 1 to 2 Climates change gradually over time. During the last 1 to 2

million years, for example, the earth passed through four eras million years, for example, the earth passed through four eras where large areas were covered with glaciers. where large areas were covered with glaciers.

Geographers have developed several possible explanations for what caused glacial Geographers have developed several possible explanations for what caused glacial eras. eras.

One explanation is that variations in the sun’s output of energy and in the earth’s orbit One explanation is that variations in the sun’s output of energy and in the earth’s orbit may have caused our world to absorb less solar energy and cool off.may have caused our world to absorb less solar energy and cool off.

HUMAN/ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

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Climatic Changes (cont.) AnotherAnother hypothesishypothesis, , or scientific explanation, suggests volcanic or scientific explanation, suggests volcanic

activity over long periods of time released massive amounts of activity over long periods of time released massive amounts of dust into the atmosphere, which might have had a cooling effect. dust into the atmosphere, which might have had a cooling effect.

Smoke from the burning of fossil fuels Smoke from the burning of fossil fuels scatters the sun’s rays.scatters the sun’s rays.

HUMAN/ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

Geographers also believe that human activities today Geographers also believe that human activities today cause changes in the world’s climates. For example: cause changes in the world’s climates. For example:

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Gases produced by burning fuels mix with water in the air, forming damaging acids that fall in rain and Gases produced by burning fuels mix with water in the air, forming damaging acids that fall in rain and snow. snow.

The exhaust from automobiles helps createThe exhaust from automobiles helps create smogsmog, , a haze caused by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation that a haze caused by the sun’s ultraviolet radiation that endangers people’s health. endangers people’s health.

Water projects, such as dams and river diversions, may cause new areas to become dry.Water projects, such as dams and river diversions, may cause new areas to become dry.

Climatic Changes (cont.) The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide,

preventing some surface heat from leaving the preventing some surface heat from leaving the atmosphere. atmosphere.

HUMAN/ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

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El NiñoHUMAN/ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

A weakening of trade winds that blow east to west, allowing a large mass A weakening of trade winds that blow east to west, allowing a large mass of warm water to move east toward South America, characterizes El Niño. of warm water to move east toward South America, characterizes El Niño.

El Niño used to occur every four to five years but now happens more often.El Niño used to occur every four to five years but now happens more often.

El Niño is a recurring climatic phenomenon that has an El Niño is a recurring climatic phenomenon that has an important impact on global weather by setting off changes in important impact on global weather by setting off changes in the atmosphere. the atmosphere.

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El Niño (cont.)

HUMAN/ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

Experts believe that El Niño distributes the Experts believe that El Niño distributes the extra energy produced by global warming.extra energy produced by global warming.

Scientists are not certain what causes El Scientists are not certain what causes El Niño, but many link it with global warming. Niño, but many link it with global warming.

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What and where are the five main climate regions?

Tropical: low latitudes

Dry: one-fifth of the earth’s land surface

Mid-latitude: middle latitudes

High-latitude: high latitudes

Highland: varies

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In what ways may the earth’s climate change due to human and natural processes?

Changes include less sunlight, lower temperatures, a greenhouse effect, acid rain, and more dry areas.

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End of End of Section 3Section 3

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What unit on this map measures scale?inches

What is the scale of distance?

1 inch= 250 miles

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What unit on this map measures scale?inches

What is the scale of distance?

1 inch= 5 miles

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How far is it from Orlando to Atlanta?about 450 miles

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Suppose you are traveling through West Palm Beach on I-95. About how far is it from the intersection of Route 702 to the intersection of Route 98?

about 12 miles

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