chapter 10 Flashcards
Climate
the consistent, long-term behaviour of weather over time, including its variability; in contrast to weather, which is the condition of the atmosphere at any given place and time
Climatology
the scientific study of climate and climatic patterns and the consistent behaviour of weather, including its variability and extremes, over time in one place or region; includes the effects of climate change on human society and culture
Climate region
an area of homogenous climate that features characteristic regional weather and air mass patterns
Biogeography
the science that describe distinct regions of broadly similar flora (plants) and fauna (animals)
Ecozone
(sometimes called A biogeographic realm) is a geographic region where a group of associated plant and animal species evolved
Classification
the process of ordering or grouping data or phenomena in related classes; results in a regular distribution of information; a taxonomy
Genetic classification
a climate classification that uses causative factors to determine climatic regions; for example, an analysis of the effect of interacting air masses
Empirical classification
a climate classification based on weather statistics or other data; used to determine general climate categories
Climograph
a graph that plots daily, monthly, or annual temperature and precipitation values for a selected station; may also include additional weather information
Biomes
broad regions, with their associated soil, plant, and animal communities
Classification of climatic regions is based on what
temperature and precipitation
Six basic climate categories
1- tropical (tropical latitudes: 23.5° N -23.5° S)
2- Mesothermal (midlatitudes, mild winter)
3- Microthermal (mid and high latitudes, cold winters)
4- Polar (high latitudes and polar regions
5- Highland (high elevations at all latitudes)
6- Dry (permanent moisture deficits)
Tropical rain forest climate
Tropical rain forest climates are constantly moist and warm, convectional thunderstorms, triggered by local heating and trade-wind convergence, peak each day from mid-afternoon to late evening inland and earlier in the day where marine influence is strong along coastlines, huge canopies and sparse vegetation cover near ground
what affects the tropical rain forest climate region throughout the year
the ITCZ
Tropical Monsoon Climates
-Experiment dry season that lasts 1 or more months, when the ITCZ has moved away from the region
-lie principally along coastal areas within the tropical rain forest climatic realm and experience seasonal variation of wind and precipitation
Tropical savanna climates
Tropical savanna climates are poleward (toward the north pole or south pole) of the tropical rain forest climates, ITCZ reaches these climate regions for about 6 months or less, summers are wetter than winters
why can the Tropical savanna climates have two temperature maximums during the year
because the sun’s direct rays are overhead twice, before and after the summer solstice in each hemisphere as the subsolar point moves between the equator and the tropics