Chapter 2 Vocab Flashcards
condition of the atmosphere in one place during a short period of time
weather
weather patterns typically for an area over a long period of time
climate
an imaginary line that runs through the center of the earth between the north and south poles
axis
in astronomy, the earths yearly trip around the sun, taking 365 1/4 days
revolution
one of 2 days on which the sun is directly above the equator making and and night equal in length
equinox
One of two days on which the suns raise strike directly on The tropic of cancer or tropic of Capricorn, marking the beginning of summer or winter
Solstice
Continuous daylight or where the sun is visible at midnight during the summer in either the arctic or Antarctic Circle
Midnight Sun
The capacity of certain gases in the atmosphere to trap heat thereby warming the earth
Greenhouse effect
Cold or warm stream of seawater that flows in the oceans generally in a circular pattern
Current
Wind in a region that blows in a fairly constant directional pattern
Prevailing wind
The resulting diagonal movement either north or south of prevailing winds caused by the earths rotation
Coriolis effect
A frequently windless area near the equator
Doldrums
A periodic reversal of the pattern of Ocean currents and water temperatures in the mid Pacific region
El Niño
Being in or facing the direction from which the wind is blowing
Windward
Being in or facing the direction towards which the wind is blowing
Leeward
Resulting of a process by which dry areas develop on the leeward sides of mountain ranges
Rain shadow
A major type of Ecological community defined primarily by distinctive plant and animal groups
Biome
Plant life that grows in a certain area if people have not changed the natural environment
Natural vegetation
The average of the daily high temperature and the overnight low often caused for comparison across climate regions
Average daily temperature
Small area in a desert, where water and vegetation are found
Oasis
An inland grassland area
Prairie
Referring to vegetation having cones and needle shaped leaves, including many evergreens that keep their foliage throughout the winter
Coniferous
Falling off or shed Seasonally or periodically trees, such as oak and maple, which lose their leaves in autumn
Deciduous
Forest with both coniferous and deciduous trees
Mixed Forest
