Arid Climates & Biomes Flashcards
1
Q
What is unique about Arid and Semiarid Climates
A
- the only general climate category described by moisture level (deficiencies)
- most extensive climates over land
2
Q
What is the symbol for an Arid climate?
A
(B)
3
Q
Describe Arid Climates
A
- highest average annual temperatures & highest diurnal temperature ranges
- extreme continentality
- Evapotranspiration = atmosphere sucks up more moisture than there is rainfall falling from the sky
4
Q
What causes an arid climate?
A
- Subtropical highs
- Rain shadows
- Extreme continentality
5
Q
What are the two groupings of arid climates?
A
Precipitation: Supply
(BW) = Desert: less than one half of natural moisture demand
(BS) = Steppe: greater than one half natural moisture demand, but still below potential evapotranspiration
6
Q
What do (h) and (k) stand for?
A
(h) = hot
(k) = cold
7
Q
Hot Desert
A
(BWh)
- western side of continents with precipitation from 0 to 14 inches per year
- high temperatures during levels of low precipitation
8
Q
Hot Steppe
A
(BSh)
- wettest time of year during the hottest time of year
- similar precipitation levels to Sacramento but their temperatures are hotter at this time
9
Q
Cold Desert
A
(BWk)
- much fewer cold deserts on the planet than hot deserts
- smaller land area than a hot desert
- very low precipitation relative to the temperature
10
Q
Cold Steppe
A
(BSk)
- more cold steppes than hot steppes on the earth
- wetter parts of the year come at the warmer parts of the year
11
Q
Arid Biomes
A
- Midlatitude grasslands and Tropical Savannas
- flora and fauna adapted to the chronic dryness
12
Q
What are the 3 adaptations seen in an arid biome plantlife?
A
- Xerophytic: plants that are drought resistant as they store and retain water
- Phreatophytic: plants with deep taproots that hit ground water
- Ephemerals: plants which wait years for precipitation to quickly germinate, flower and produce seeds (lay dormant for long periods of time until they are “triggered”)
