Chapter 7 - Climate Flashcards
Climate
The common, average weather conditions of an area over a long period, calculated using records over 30 - 35 years
What 3 broad zones can climates be divided into?
Hot climates
Temperate climates
Cold climates
Where are hot climates found?
From the equator to the tropics at 0° - 30°
Where are temperate climates found?
Between the hot and cold climates , i.e. the Tropics to the Arctics at 30° - 60°
Where are cold climates found?
Near the Poles, i.e. Arctic to Poles at 30° - 90°
What are the three types of hot climates?
Equatorial
Savannah
Hot desert
What are the two types of temperate climates?
Warm temperate oceanic
Cool temperate oceanic
What are the two types of cold climates?
Tundra type
Boreal type
What are the factors that influence world climate?
○Latitude
○Distance from the sea
○Air masses and prevailing winds
How does latitude influence climate?
○Latitude is the angular distance north and south of the equator
○Closer to the equator is warmer, as the sun’s rays are more direct and concentrated
○Further from the equator is cooler as the rays have further to travel
How does distance from the sea influence climate?
○The sea takes longer to heat and cool than the land
○In summer, sea water is cooler than the land. Areas closer to the sea will be cooler than inland
○In winter, sea water will be warmer than the land. Areas closer to the sea will be warmer than inland
How do air masses and prevailing winds influence climate?
○Movement of air produces wind, which creates the movement of warm and cold air masses. They move over the earth’s surface influencing temperature and precipitation
○Prevailing wind is the most common wind of a region. They influence climate based on the location from which they blow
What are the factors that influence local climate?
○Aspect
○Altitude
○Ocean currents
How does aspect influence local climate?
○Direction a slope faces in relation to the sun
○A south-facing slope in the northern hemisphere is pointed towards the sun. Its therefore warmer than north-facing
○Influenced by warm southerly winds
How does altitude influence local climate?
○Height of an area above sea level
○Higher = colder
○Air higher up is thinner and holds less heat
○Temperature drops 1°C for every 100 meter increase
○Higher altitudes are more exposed to winds
How do ocean currents influence local climate?
○Warm currents from the equator raise sea temperature
○Cold currents from the poles lower sea temperature
○NAD is a warm current that keeps European coasts ice-free
Where are Equatorial climates located?
○Between 8° north and south of the equator
○E.g, Amazon River Basin, Brazil
Describe the temperatures of Equatorial climates
○Hot all year round
○Average temperature 28°C. Temperature range is only 2°C
○Constant high temperatures result in rapid evaporation
○It is a one-season climate
Describe the rainfall of Equatorial climates
○Heavy convectional rainfall due to high humidity
○There is rain, and possibly storms, everyday
○Annual rainfall is 2000mm
○Humidity is 80%
Describe the soil of Equatorial climates
○Tropical Red soil → not very fertile as the high rainfall causes leaching
○Deforestation means leaching is a huge environmental problem
Describe the flora of Equatorial climates
○Tropical rainforest or jungle
Canopy
Tops of trees. Trees like mahogany, teak and ebony are home to insects and wildlife
Understorey
Between the forest floor and canopy. Gets little light
Shrub layer/forest floor
Very little sunlight
Emergents
Taller trees that stick out
Describe the fauna of Equatorial climates
○Lots of variety
○They all adapt to their hot environment: Monkeys can move through the trees easily and snakes can move around thick undergrowth
Describe the human activity in relation to Equatorial climates
○Traditional tribes depend on the fauna and flora and have adapted to and respect their environment
○Some practice shifting cultivation
Shifting cultivation
Farming practice of native forest people. Area of forest is cleared by ‘slash and burn’ and crops like maize and sweet potato are planted. After the soil has lost its fertility, the people move onto a new patch of forest
What are the advantages of clearing the Amazon?
✔ Improved agricultural land
✔ Improved transport and infrastructure
✔ Raw materials
What are the disadvantages of clearing the Amazon?
✘ Loss of habitats
✘ Soil erosion
✘Flooding
✘ Deforestation
Where are Hot Desert climates located?
○Between 15° and 30° north and south of the equator
Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn
○Usually on west side of continents
○E.g. North Aftrica, South-west Africa, Northern Chile, Middle East, Australia
Describe the temperatures of Hot Desert climates
○Extreme temperatures: 45°C during the day and 0°C during the night
○Nights are very cold because there is no cloud cover to keep the heat in
Describe the rainfall of Hot Desert climates
○Less than 250mm per year
○Evaporation rates are high. Sometimes rain evaporates before even hitting the ground
Describe the soil of Hot Desert climates
○Soil is coarse, light-coloured and rich in minerals
○Very little vegetation,humus or micro-organisms
Oasis
Fertile area of land in a desert with water close to the surface
Describe the flora of Hot Desert climates
○Very little vegetation because there is a shortage of water
○Plants have adapted to the hot dry conditions
How have plants adapted to the hot, dry conditions of the Hot Desert climate?
○Tap roots reach water deep underground
○Succulents store water in their roots, stems or leaves
○Cacti have wide roots, fleshy inside, waxy coat and sharp spines
Describe the fauna of Hot Deset climates
Adapted to hot weather and lack of vegetation
How have animals adapted to the hot, dry conditions of the Hot Desert climate?
○Nocturnal animals come out at night to avoid the heat
○Some burrow
○Camel stores fat in its hump, has long eyelashes, wide hooves, thick lips and nostrils that close to protect from sandstorms
Describe the human activity in relation to Hot Desert climates
○Limited because the climate is so harsh
○Limited agriculture - only a few nomadic farmers with grazing cattle
○Tourism has increased because its now seen as an area of natural beauty
Desertification
Spread of a desert
What human activities cause desertification?
- Population increase
- Overgrazing
- Soil becomes infertile
- Trees and shrubs are cut
What climatic factors cause desertification?
- Global warming
* Droughts
What are the results of desertification?
○Grassland changed to desert
○Soil no longer fertile
○Famine
○Migration
What are the solutions to desertification?
○Irrigation
○Reduce number of grazing animals
○Reafforestation
○Shelter belts
Where are Savannah climates located?
○Between 8° and 18° north and south of the equator
○Cental Africa, north and east of South America, northern Australia and the Serengeti Plains of Tanzania
Describe the temperatures of Savannah climates
○Warm all year round
○Two seasons
○Winter - long, dry season, average temperature 20°C
○Summer - very wet and hot, average temperature 30°C
Describe the rainfall of Savannah climates
○Very little rain in dry season - average 20mm
○No rain Dec - Feb
○Wet season - 750mm - 1000mm of rain
Describe the soil of Savannah climates
○Low in nutrients
○Thin layer of humus
Describe the flora of Savannah climates
○Continuous tall grasses and few trees
○Plants have adapted to long periods of drought
How have plants adapted to the long periods of drought in the Savannah climate?
○Long roots to reach water deep underground
○Thick bark to resist annual fires
○Trunks can store water
○Leaves drop off in winter to conserve water
Describe the fauna of Savannah climates
○Most animals have long legs or wings so they can go on long migrations
○Giraffes, elephants, zebras, buffalo, lions etc
Describe the human activity in relation to Savannah climates
○In Africa, many people use the grasslands for grazing
○Poaching, hunting, overgrazing and destruction of land are concerns
Where are Cool Temperate Oceanic climates located?
○Between 40° and 60° north and south of the equator
○North West Europe, New Zealand, North West coast of America, Southern Chile, Ireland
Describe the temperatures of Cool Temperate Oceanic climates
○Summer → 14°C - 20°C
○Winter → 4°C - 7°C
Describe the rainfall of Cool Temperate Oceanic climates
○High rainfall → 500mm - 2000mm per year
○Most rainfall in winter
○Cloudy, changeable weather conditions
Describe the soil of Cool Temperate Oceanic climates
○Brown earth
○High humus content - fertile
○Supports a strong agricultural industry
Describe the flora of Cool Temperate Oceanic climates
○Mix of deciduous and coniferous
○Oak, ash, elm, beech
○Most forests are cleared for agriculture, transport and settlement
Describe the fauna of Cool Temperate Oceanic climates
○Deer, fox, badger
○Found in deciduous forest of Ireland
○Ireland’s largest mammal is the red deer
Describe the human activity in relation to Cool Temperate Oceanic climates
○Agriculture
○Brown earth soils are very fertile
○Temperatures are suitable for pastoral farming
○Harvest in summer and autumn, stall feed animals in winter
Where are Warm Temperate Oceanic climates located?
○Between 30° and 40° north and south of the equator
○Mediterranean Basin, South west and South East Australia, San Francisco area and Central Chile
Describe the temperatures of Warm Temperate Oceanic climates
○Hot, dry summers, average temperature 30°C
○Sun high in the sky, There’s little cloud so it’s very warm
○Winter is mild and wet
Describe the rainfall of Warm Temperate Oceanic climates
○Annual rainfall between 400mm - 700mm
○Most rainfall in winter
○Less rain in the summer due to high pressure
Describe the soil of Warm Temperate Oceanic climates
○Terra Rossa - red clay soil found in the Mediterranean
○Good drainage - popular for wine production
Describe the flora of Warm Temperate Oceanic climates
○Scrub forest with trees like cork, fig and olive
○Have adapted to survive long summer droughts
Describe the fauna of Warm Temperate Oceanic climates
○Sheep and goats reared on rugged landscape
○Have adapted to the steep slopes and rough pasture of the mountain ranges
Describe the human activity in relation to Warm Temperate Oceanic climates
○Farming and tourism are the main economic activities
○Mild winter allows crops to be grown throughout the year
○Irrigation schemes deal with the summer drought
○Main crops are wheat, maize and sunflowers
○Other crops include citrus fruits, tomatoes, vines and olives
○Tourism provides employment
How have plants adapted to the summer drought in the Warm Temperate Oceanic climate?
○Thick bark and waxy leaves to prevent moisture loss
○Long roots to reach water underground
How have animals adapted to the steep slopes and rough pasture of the mountain ranges of the Warm Temperate Oceanic climate?
○Some have strong legs for long daily walks in search of grazing and only require small amounts of food to survive in an area of poor vegetation
Where are Boreal climates located?
○Between 55° and 65° north of the equator
○North America, North Canada, Newfoundland, Siberia, and Northern Scandinavia
Describe the temperatures of Boreal climates
○As the earth is tilted on an axis, boreal regions have long winter nights and long summer days
○Winters are long and severe with the average temperature -15°C
○Summers are warmer and the average temperature is 15°C.
Describe the rainfall of Boreal climates
○300 – 500mm
○And although the cold winters produce some heavy snowfall, the majority of the precipitation falls during the humid summer as rain.
Describe the soil of Boreal climates
○Podzols - form under coniferous forest
○Iron and aluminium are leached from the A – horizon and deposited in the B – horizon.
○Clays and other minerals migrate to lower layers, leaving the upper layer sandy in texture.
○Acidic soil - thin and lacks nutrients
○Permafrost – frozen subsoil
Describe the flora of Boreal climates
○Evergreen forest - ‘taiga’ - exists as nearly continuous belt of trees across North America and Eurasia
○Taiga trees tend to be conifers
○North America - fir and spruce
○Deciduous - larch and birch
○Trees have adapted to the harsh and frozen taiga
How have trees adapted to the harsh and frozen taiga in the Boreal climate?
○Waxy, needle-like leaves to prevent moisture loss
○Cone shaped with sloping branches to allow snow to slide off
○Cones protect the seeds
○Thick bark to protect the trunk against the cold
○Shallow roots to avoid the permafrost
Describe the fauna of Boreal climates
○Reindeer, caribou, boar, bear, wolf and eagle
○Some migrate south for winter
○Some hibernate during winter
○Have adapted to cold climate
How have animals adapted to the cold climate of the Boreal climate?
○Thick fur
○Wide paws
○Hooves
Describe the human activity in relation to Boreal climates
○Boreal forests are generally undisturbed by humans and industry
○But, nowadays, they are being threatened by forestry and mining
○Population of the region is fairly sparse
○Small communities rely on extraction industries for employment
Where are Tundra climates located?
○Arctic region between 65° and 80° north of the equator
○Alaska, North-west Canada, Greenland and Northern Siberia
○Also found on peninsular land of Antarctica
Describe the temperatures of Tundra climates
○Long days in summer and long nights in winter
○Average temperature of -25°C. Can drop to -51°C in winter
Describe the rainfall of Tundra climates
○Mainly snow
○<250mm
Describe the soil of Tundra climates
○Permafrost
○Water unavailable most of the year
○During brief summer, top section of soil may thaw allowing plants and micro-organisms tho grow and reproduce
Describe the flora of Tundra climates
○Severe cold and little moisture limits the growth of vegetation
○Lichens and mosses
○Arctic flowers in summer
Describe the fauna of Tundra climates
○Animals adapted to cold winters by breeding and raising their young very quickly in the shot and cool summers
○Snowy owl, caribou, musk ox, polar bear, arctic fox
Describe the human activity in relation to Tundra climates
○Eskimos are native to the region in Alaska and Canada, with mining, fishing and hunting as main employment
○Similar with Samoyeds and Yakuts of Siberia
○Lapps are native to Scandinavia
