1. The Annual Climate System

Question 1

What is Climate?

Answer 1

“A measure of atmospheric conditions for a region over a long period of time” best describes….

Question 2

“It has been raining all week” best describes…. (weather conditions)(climate conditions) (the tropics) or (the subtropics)

Answer 2

weather conditions

Question 3

True or False? “Climate is an average of weather”
Group of answer choices

Answer 3

false

Question 4

Why are plant distributions an excellent measure of an area’s climate conditions? (click all that apply)

1. unlike animals, plants are purely endemic, that is, they can only grow where they evolved and have not been moved or relocated by humans
2. plants are sensitive to average soil moistures, as well as dependent of regular outlier events, for example seasonal monsoons
3. plants are sensitive to minimum soil and atmospheric temperatures
4. many endemic plants have a limited range of precipitation, temperature, wind, and moisture conditions to which they are adapted, therefore limiting their growth in areas that reflect these climatic conditions long-term.
5. since UV radiation varies latitude by latitude, plants are the only reliable measure of regional absorption rates and climatic heating

Answer 4

2, 3, 4

Question 5

A higher incident angle of sunlight causes that sunlight to
a) travel a longer distance through the atmosphere
b) be spread out over a larger surface area, and
c) be reflected more readily at the top of the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface.

Which of these factors contribute to a DECREASE in atmospheric absorption of energy locally? (click all that apply)

Answer 5

b and c

Question 6

The higher latitudes lose ___________ heat to space than they gain locally from direct insolation.
Group of answer choices

more

less

an equal amount of

Answer 6

More

Question 7

The following mechanism are responsible for distributing significant amount of atmospheric heat around our planet (click all that apply)
Group of answer choices

mantle convection

volcanic activity at subduction zones

global ocean circulation

global air circulation

Answer 7

global ocean circulation

global air circulation

Question 8

Which of the following air circulation cells is located closest to the equator?

Answer 8

The air circulation cell located closest to the equator is the Hadley Cell.

Question 9

The Earth’s global air circulation system is divided into ______ major “cells” in each hemisphere.

Answer 9

The Earth’s global air circulation system is divided into 3 major “cells” in each hemisphere: the Hadley cell, the Ferrel cell, and the Polar cell.

Question 10

The Earth’s axis is inclined relative to the _____________

Answer 10

ecliptic

Question 11

The Earth’s tilt is currently around….

Answer 11

23 degrees

Question 12

If the Earth did not have a tilted axis (axis is perpendicular to ecliptic), the length of day and night would be….

Answer 12

…identical, that is 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night, regardless of latitude

Question 13

True or False? As the earth orbits around the Sun, the orientation of its axis (the direction in which it points) does not change

Answer 13

True. As the Earth orbits around the Sun, the orientation of its axis remains relatively constant, pointing towards the North Star (Polaris).

Question 14

OK, so every informed person knows that the Earth’s seasons are caused by its tilt. When a given hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, that hemisphere is experiencing either…..

Answer 14

When a given hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, that hemisphere is experiencing either summer or spring, depending on the specific time of year.

Question 15

When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere it is __________ in the Southern Hemisphere

Answer 15

When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 16

The longest day (most hours of daylight) of the year occurs on……

Answer 16

The longest day (most hours of daylight) of the year occurs on the Summer Solstice.

Question 17

Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere is equivalent to _________________ in the Northern Hemisphere

Answer 17

Summer Solstice

Question 18

All of the area North of the Arctic Circle experiences 24 hours of night (no sunrise) for how many days of the year?

Answer 18

1 day (24 hours)

Question 19

True or False? The whole area North of the Arctic Circle experiences 6 months of total darkness.

Answer 19

False. The area north of the Arctic Circle experiences 24 hours of darkness for about 1 day around the Winter Solstice, but it does not have 6 months of total darkness. The duration of darkness increases as you move further north, but it is not a continuous six-month period.

Question 20

The Northernmost latitude over which the sun can shine directly overhead is known as the ________________

Answer 20

Tropic of Cancer

Question 21

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

Answer 21

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

Question 22

The following climate belt includes the larger part of the arid regions of our planet

Answer 22

The climate belt that includes the largest part of the arid regions of our planet is the subtropical desert climate belt.

Question 23

Where the Northern Hemisphere Hadley Cell meets the Southern Hemisphere Hadley Cell is called..

Answer 23

Where the Northern Hemisphere Hadley Cell meets the Southern Hemisphere Hadley Cell is called the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Question 24

The ITCZ……

Answer 24

The ITCZ shifts around within the tropics.

Question 25

What is the ITCZ

Answer 25

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a region near the equator where the trade winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. This zone is characterized by rising warm, moist air, leading to frequent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The ITCZ shifts seasonally with the sun, moving north and south of the equator, which influences weather patterns in tropical regions. It plays a crucial role in global climate and weather systems.

Question 26

The arid regions of the world lose their moisture to the surface winds of the ____________________

Answer 26

The arid regions of the world lose their moisture to the surface winds of the Hadley Cells.

Question 27

At the ITCZ, surface winds…..

Answer 27

rise, then cool to cause precipitation

Question 28

Which of the following climate belts is not defined by the tilt parameters of the Earth?
Group of answer choices

Answer 28

subtropics

Question 29

Although “geographic climate belts” are primarily defined by latitude, modern climate zone classifications, based on actual observations of precipitation, temperature, etc. can differ significantly because of the uneven redistribution of heat across the planet by ocean currents and air circulation, as well as….(click all that apply).

1. city heat island effects
2. the presence of mountains
3. differing proximities to moisture sources such as the ocean
4. increased solar insolation at the poles due to loss of global ozone

Answer 29

2 and 3

Question 30

Not surprisingly, the original basis for the Köppen-Geiger Climate Classifications was rooted in……

Answer 30

plant distributions

Question 31

During “El Niño” conditions of the Southern Oscillation, the following conditions prevail.

Answer 31

Warm sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific and complete lack of upwelling along the shores of South America

Question 32

During “El Niño” conditions, average annual global temperatures are typically….

Answer 32

Higher

Question 33

During “El Niño” conditions, fisheries off the coast of South America usually…..

Answer 33

decline

Question 34

Explain the difference between climate vs weather?

Answer 34

Climate: a measure of atmospheric conditions (including temperature, humidity,pressure,absooption,etc) for a region over a long period of time (regional, long term, range of conditions.

Weather: short-term variations in local atmospheric conditions (local, short term, specific conditions)

Question 35

Is climate an average of weather?

Answer 35

(look for answer)

Question 36

Average climate versus real climate?

Answer 36

Average Climate
Definition: Average climate refers to the mean conditions (such as temperature and precipitation) calculated over a long period, typically 30 years or more.
Characteristics: It smooths out short-term fluctuations and provides a generalized view of what the climate is like for a region. It might include averages, extremes, and typical patterns but does not capture day-to-day variability.
Purpose: Used for classifications, long-term predictions, and understanding general trends.

Real Climate
Definition: Real climate refers to the actual, observed conditions in a specific area at any given time, reflecting the current state of the atmosphere.
Characteristics: This includes day-to-day weather changes, seasonal variations, extreme events (like droughts or floods), and anomalies that may not align with long-term averages.
Purpose: Important for immediate planning, agriculture, disaster preparedness, and understanding current environmental impacts.

Key Differences
Time Scale: Average climate smooths over time, while real climate is immediate and dynamic.
Variability: Average climate does not account for short-term variability or anomalies that may significantly affect conditions.
Application: Average climate is used for long-term studies, whereas real climate is crucial for daily decision-making and real-time applications.

Question 37

In higher latitudes, insolation enters the atmosphere at a higher angle. Hence…

Answer 37

the radiation travels a LONGER distance through the atmosphere to the surface

Question 38

Traveling a LONGER distance through the atmosphere increases what?

Answer 38

the chance that radiation interacts with air molecules and increases amount of absorption.

Question 39

What are latitudinal effects?

Answer 39

1. Temperature
   General Trend: Temperature generally decreases as latitude increases. Regions near the equator (low latitudes) receive more direct sunlight year-round, leading to warmer temperatures, while polar regions (high latitudes) receive sunlight at a more oblique angle, resulting in cooler temperatures.
2. Seasonality
   Seasonal Variation: Areas at higher latitudes experience more pronounced seasonal changes (longer winters and shorter summers), while regions near the equator experience less seasonal variation, often maintaining a more consistent climate throughout the year.
3. Biodiversity and Ecosystems
   Species Distribution: Latitude affects biodiversity. Tropical regions near the equator tend to have the highest biodiversity, while polar regions have fewer species adapted to extreme conditions.
4. Precipitation Patterns
   Rainfall: Latitudinal effects influence rainfall distribution. The ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone) near the equator leads to higher precipitation, while subtropical regions are often drier due to descending air in the Hadley Cells.
5. Vegetation Zones
   Biomes: Different latitudes correspond to specific biomes. For example, tropical rainforests are found near the equator, while tundra and polar ice caps are found at higher latitudes.
6. Ocean Currents
   Influence on Climate: Latitude also affects ocean currents, which can modify coastal climates. For example, warm currents can keep coastal regions milder in higher latitudes.
7. Solar Insolation
   Sunlight Intensity: The angle of sunlight varies with latitude, affecting solar insolation. Higher latitudes receive less intense sunlight, impacting temperature and energy availability.

Question 40

The higher the angle of incidence…

Answer 40

the more incoming solar radiation is reflected by both the atmosphere AND the surface of the Earth

Question 41

This results in LESS radiation being absorbed by high latitudes on the Earth, and therefore…

Answer 41

less heat gained by the atmosphere

Question 42

The net effect is reduced atmospheric heat gain by higher latitudes – hence

Answer 42

they are cold!

Question 43

Explanation of Global Atmospheric Circulation:

Answer 43

. Basic Principles
Solar Heating: The sun heats the Earth’s surface unevenly due to the spherical shape of the Earth and its axial tilt. The equator receives more direct sunlight, while the poles receive sunlight at a more oblique angle.
Temperature Differences: These differences in heating create variations in air pressure. Warm air is less dense and rises, while cooler air is denser and sinks.
2. Major Circulation Cells
The global atmospheric circulation is organized into three main cells in each hemisphere:
Hadley Cell:
Location: Between the equator and about 30° latitude.
Mechanism: Warm air rises at the equator, creating low pressure. As it rises, it cools and spreads out, sinking around 30° latitude, creating high pressure. This sinking air contributes to desert conditions in these regions.
Ferrel Cell:
Location: Between 30° and 60° latitude.
Mechanism: This cell is driven by the movement of the Hadley and Polar cells. It is characterized by westerly winds and brings mid-latitude weather systems, including storms and precipitation.
Polar Cell:
Location: From about 60° latitude to the poles.
Mechanism: Cold air sinks at the poles, creating high pressure. This cold air then moves towards the equator, where it warms and rises again, contributing to polar weather patterns.
3. Trade Winds and Westerlies
Trade Winds: In the tropics, the easterly trade winds blow from east to west due to the Coriolis effect, resulting from the Earth’s rotation.
Westerlies: In the mid-latitudes, westerly winds blow from west to east, influenced by the Ferrel Cell.
4. Jet Streams
Definition: Jet streams are fast-flowing air currents found in the upper levels of the atmosphere, typically at the boundaries of the circulation cells.
Influence: They play a significant role in determining weather patterns and can influence the movement of storm systems.
5. Seasonal Variations
Shifts in Circulation: The position of the ITCZ and the strength of the circulation cells can shift with the seasons, leading to different weather patterns in various regions throughout the year.
6. Impact on Climate
The global atmospheric circulation helps regulate climate by distributing heat and moisture. It influences precipitation patterns, storm tracks, and seasonal weather changes.

Question 44

Explanation of global surface ocean circulation

Answer 44

Driving Forces
Wind: Surface winds, primarily the trade winds and westerlies, are the primary force driving surface ocean currents. Winds create friction on the water surface, pushing it in the direction the wind is blowing.
Coriolis Effect: The Earth’s rotation causes moving water to turn and twist, influencing the direction of currents. In the Northern Hemisphere, currents deflect to the right, and in the Southern Hemisphere, they deflect to the left.
Temperature and Salinity: Variations in temperature and salinity affect water density, leading to vertical movements of water and contributing to the thermohaline circulation.
2. Major Ocean Gyres
Definition: Ocean gyres are large systems of rotating ocean currents, driven by wind patterns and the Coriolis effect.
Location: Each ocean basin (Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Southern) has its own gyre:
North Atlantic Gyre
South Atlantic Gyre
North Pacific Gyre
South Pacific Gyre
Indian Ocean Gyre
3. Key Currents
Equatorial Currents: Warm currents that flow westward along the equator, driven by trade winds.
Western Boundary Currents: Strong, warm currents that flow along the western edges of ocean basins (e.g., Gulf Stream in the Atlantic, Kuroshio Current in the Pacific).
Eastern Boundary Currents: Cooler currents that flow along the eastern edges of ocean basins (e.g., California Current, Canary Current).
Subpolar Currents: These currents flow towards the poles and can influence colder regions.
4. Thermohaline Circulation
Definition: This is the global “conveyor belt” of ocean circulation, driven by differences in temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline), which affect water density.
Mechanism: Cold, salty water is denser and sinks in polar regions, while warmer, less salty water rises in other areas. This vertical movement helps redistribute heat and nutrients throughout the oceans.
5. Impact on Climate
Heat Distribution: Ocean currents transport warm water from the equator towards the poles and cold water from the poles towards the equator, moderating climate and weather patterns.
Weather Patterns: Changes in ocean currents can influence atmospheric conditions, affecting precipitation, storm paths, and seasonal weather.
El Niño and La Niña: These phenomena involve changes in ocean currents and temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, leading to significant global weather impacts.
6. Interactions with Climate Change
Changes in Circulation: Climate change can alter ocean temperatures, salinity, and wind patterns, impacting the strength and direction of surface currents.
Sea Level Rise: Melting ice caps and glaciers can affect salinity and density, influencing circulation patterns.

Question 45

Explain the Tilt effect?

Answer 45

. Seasons
Definition: The tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.
Mechanism: During summer in one hemisphere, that hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, resulting in longer days and more direct sunlight, which increases temperatures. Conversely, during winter, that hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, leading to shorter days, less direct sunlight, and cooler temperatures.
2. Variation in Day Length
Equator vs. Poles: Near the equator, day length remains relatively constant throughout the year. However, as you move towards the poles, the variation in day length becomes more pronounced, with extremely long days in summer and very short days in winter.
3. Temperature Differences
Direct vs. Indirect Sunlight: Areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight year-round, resulting in consistently warmer temperatures. In contrast, higher latitudes receive sunlight at a more oblique angle, especially during winter months, leading to cooler temperatures.
4. Climate Zones
Influence on Climate: The tilt contributes to the establishment of distinct climate zones. The tropics (between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn) experience minimal seasonal variation, while temperate and polar regions experience significant seasonal changes.
5. Impact on Weather Patterns
Jet Streams and Storm Tracks: The tilt affects atmospheric circulation patterns, including the position of jet streams and storm tracks. This can influence weather patterns, precipitation, and seasonal climate variations.
6. Long-Term Changes
Milankovitch Cycles: Over long geological timescales, variations in the Earth’s axial tilt (as well as changes in its orbit) can affect climate and contribute to cycles such as ice ages.

Question 46

Where is the only place that has an equal 12 hour day-night cycle?

Answer 46

On the tilted Earth, the hours of day and night vary by latitude. Only the equator has an equal 12 hour day-night cycle

Question 47

As the position of the Earth in solar orbit changes, so do the length of day vs. nighttime hours: and so does what?

Answer 47

The seasons

Question 48

What happens June 20th: NH summer solstice

Answer 48

For one day of the year, on summer solstice, all locations North of the Arctic Circle experience a full 24 hours of daylight

Question 49

What happens in December 21st : NH Winter Solstice?

Answer 49

For one day of the year, on winter solstice, all locations North of the Arctic Circle experience a full 24 hours of darkness

Question 50

What happenes September 22nd NH fall Equinox and March 20th NH Spring Equinox

Answer 50

For two days of the year, on the spring and fall equinoxes, locations North of the Arctic Circle experience 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness

Question 51

Geographic Climate Belts:

Answer 51

1. Tropical Climate Belt
   Location: Near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
   Characteristics:
   Warm temperatures year-round.
   High humidity and significant rainfall, often resulting in lush vegetation.
   Subdivided into tropical rainforest, tropical savanna, and tropical monsoon climates.
2. Arid (Desert) Climate Belt
   Location: Found at about 30° latitude in both hemispheres and in some continental interiors.
   Characteristics:
   Very low precipitation.
   Hot deserts (like the Sahara) and cold deserts (like the Gobi).
   Sparse vegetation and high evaporation rates.
3. Temperate Climate Belt
   Location: Between the tropics and polar regions, generally from about 30° to 60° latitude.
   Characteristics:
   Moderate temperatures with distinct seasons.
   Includes Mediterranean, humid subtropical, and oceanic climates.
   Varied precipitation, with some regions experiencing dry summers or winters.
4. Polar Climate Belt
   Location: Near the poles, above 60° latitude.
   Characteristics:
   Extremely cold temperatures.
   Low precipitation, primarily as snow.
   Includes tundra and ice cap climates.
5. Subtropical Climate Belt
   Location: Generally between 20° to 30° latitude.
   Characteristics:
   Warm to hot summers and mild winters.
   Includes humid subtropical and Mediterranean climates.
   Rainfall varies significantly, with some areas experiencing dry seasons.

Question 52

Some explain what happens in the Hadley cell and Geographic cells.

Answer 52

explanation needed

Question 53

explanation needed cf the climate zones

Answer 53

need explanation

Question 54

Factors supporting climate zonation

Answer 54

Latitude, ocean circulation , air circulation, rain shadow, distance from ocean, elevation

Question 55

Which are the “short -term” climate system fluctuations?

Answer 55

 North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)
 El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)  Arctic Oscillation (AO)
 Antarctic Oscillation (AAO)
 Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO)

Question 56

El Niño souther Oscillation (ENSO) “normal conditions”

Answer 56

1. Trade Winds
   Direction: The trade winds blow from east to west across the equatorial Pacific.
   Strength: These winds are typically strong, helping to push warm surface water towards the western Pacific (near Indonesia and Australia).
2. Ocean Temperatures
   Temperature Gradient: The western Pacific is warmer due to the accumulation of warm water, while the eastern Pacific (near South America) remains cooler.
   Upwelling: In the eastern Pacific, the cooler water allows for upwelling, where nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, supporting marine life and fisheries.
3. Pressure Systems
   High and Low Pressure: The consistent trade winds create a zone of low pressure in the western Pacific and a zone of high pressure in the eastern Pacific.
   Walker Circulation: This results in the Walker Circulation, a system of air circulation where air rises in the west, moves across the Pacific, and sinks in the east.
4. Precipitation Patterns
   Rainfall: The western Pacific experiences significant rainfall due to rising warm, moist air, while the eastern Pacific tends to be drier. This distribution leads to lush tropical rainforests in the west and drier conditions in the east.
5. Climate Impacts
   Global Weather: The normal conditions of ENSO influence weather patterns globally, leading to predictable weather patterns in various regions. For instance, wet conditions in Australia and dry conditions in parts of South America.

Question 57

El Niño souther Oscillation (ENSO) “el niño conditions”

Answer 57

1. Weakening of Trade Winds
   Direction and Strength: The normally strong trade winds weaken or can even reverse direction, blowing from west to east.
   Impact: This disruption allows warm water, which is usually piled up in the western Pacific, to flow back eastward toward the central and eastern Pacific.
2. Ocean Temperatures
   Warming: The surface water in the eastern Pacific becomes significantly warmer, often exceeding average temperatures by several degrees Celsius.
   Loss of Upwelling: The warming suppresses the upwelling of cooler, nutrient-rich water off the coast of South America, adversely affecting marine ecosystems and fisheries.
3. Pressure Systems
   Pressure Changes: The shift in ocean temperatures leads to changes in atmospheric pressure. The high-pressure area in the eastern Pacific diminishes, while low pressure builds in the central and eastern Pacific.
   Disruption of Walker Circulation: The Walker Circulation becomes disrupted, affecting global wind patterns and leading to further changes in climate.
4. Precipitation Patterns
   Increased Rainfall: The warmer ocean temperatures in the eastern Pacific increase evaporation and lead to higher rainfall in that region, contributing to the formation of storms and heavy precipitation.
   Drier Conditions Elsewhere: Areas that typically receive rain, such as parts of Southeast Asia and Australia, may experience droughts and below-average rainfall.
5. Climate Impacts
   Global Weather Effects: El Niño significantly influences weather patterns worldwide, leading to:
   Droughts in regions like Australia and Indonesia.
   Increased rainfall and potential flooding in the southern United States and along the west coast of South America.
   Temperature anomalies that can lead to warmer winters in some regions and cooler conditions in others.

Question 58

El Niño souther Oscillation (ENSO) “la niña conditions”

Answer 58

1. Strengthening of Trade Winds
   Direction and Strength: The trade winds become stronger, blowing from east to west across the equatorial Pacific.
   Impact: These strengthened winds push warm surface water further towards the western Pacific, enhancing the temperature gradient between the eastern and western parts of the ocean.
2. Ocean Temperatures
   Cooling: The eastern Pacific experiences cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures as the warm water is displaced westward.
   Enhanced Upwelling: The cooling promotes upwelling of nutrient-rich water off the coast of South America, which supports marine life and fisheries, often leading to productive fishing conditions.
3. Pressure Systems
   High and Low Pressure: The eastern Pacific sees an increase in high pressure, while low pressure strengthens in the western Pacific.
   Walker Circulation: The enhanced Walker Circulation leads to robust atmospheric circulation patterns, contributing to the normal distribution of weather systems.
4. Precipitation Patterns
   Increased Rainfall in the Western Pacific: Areas like Indonesia and Australia experience above-average rainfall and may see more frequent tropical storms.
   Drier Conditions in the Eastern Pacific: In contrast, the eastern Pacific, including the coasts of Peru and Ecuador, typically experiences below-average rainfall and drier conditions.
5. Climate Impacts
   Global Weather Effects: La Niña can significantly influence weather patterns across the globe, leading to:
   Increased likelihood of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean due to reduced wind shear.
   Droughts in the southern United States and parts of South America.
   Colder and wetter conditions in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
   Warmer and drier weather in the southeastern U.S.