Ecosystems, Climate & Quality of Life6th Grade

Ecosystems: a Community of living and non-living things Sunlight is the source of energy for all

ecosystems! Food Chains begin with plants that the

sun gives energy to so that they can produce their own food.

Ecosystems

Everything in the natural world is connected. An ecosystem is a community of living and non-living things

Examples:

Climate Climate Climate is the average

weather in a place over many years. While the weather can change in just a few hours, climate takes hundreds, thousands, even millions of years to change.

Climate

What effects climate? What

effects climate?

Water Currents Latitude Location relative to

mountain ranges Elevation Prevailing Winds

http://eo.ucar.edu/kids/green/warming5.htm

Factors on Climate

Largest effect on a Coastal City’s Climate What

effects city’s on the coast the most?

Water Ocean Currents

Coastal City

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Coastal Cities Example

Coronado Island, CA

Waters effect on Climate Water’s

effects on climate

Affects the humidity of the region

Locations nearer coastlines have cooler temperatures in the summer.

Larger bodies of water may increase snowfall during the winter.

Water and Climate

Currents effect on Climate Ocean

Currents effect’s on the climate

Changes the humidity Changes the

temperature

Currents and Climate

Largest Effects on a City’s Climate What effects

climate in a city the most?

Location relative to mountain ranges

Latitude Location relative to

prevailing winds

In the City

Denver, CoPhoenix, AZ

Bismarck, ND

City Examples

Latitudes effect on Climate

Latitude

Temperature ranges increase as distance from the equator increases.

Latitude

Elevation and Climate Elevatio

n Temperature decreases

with height.

Elevation

Quality of Life What

effects’ quality of life?

Smog Water quality Population Density Global Warming

Quality of Life

Smog Smog: may cause lung damage (respiratory problem)

Poor Water Quality

most likely spreads contagious diseases.

May harm organisms living in rivers and lakes

Population Density

(too many people): limits available resources.

Decreases availability of fresh water.

Global Warming

Increase sea levels

Climate Change

Climate change may cause droughts which can lead to famine.

Water Cycle Review

Water cycle review

The End

The End