Chapter 9 Flashcards
What is climatology?
The study of the long-term state of the atmosphere, or climate.
Define climate.
The long-term state of the atmosphere.
What is climate classification?
Ways to organize the wealth of information about Earth’s climate to bring order and understanding to it.
What is empirical classification?
Classification systems based on observable facts such as temperature and precipitation.
What is genetic classification?
Classification systems based on the cause of the climate like solar radiation, air masses, pressure systems, etc.
What is applied classification?
Classification systems created for a particular climate-associated problem.
What is the Koeppen Climate Classification?
An empirical system largely based on annual and monthly means of temperature and precipitation.
Describe the Tropical Rain Forest Climate.
Supports one of the most lush and diverse environments on Earth, characterized by year-round warm temperatures and copious rainfall.
What characterizes a Monsoon Climate?
Abundant rainfall concentrated in the high-sun season, located near the equator with warm temperatures throughout the year.
What is the Wet/Dry Tropical Climate?
Supports a ground cover of drought-resistant grasses with scattered trees, but not enough rainfall for agriculture.
Define Tropical Steppe Climate.
Transitional climate between the tropical wet and tropical dry climates.
What defines a Tropical Desert Climate?
An environment of extremes; the driest and hottest place on earth with sporadic rainfall.
What is the Dry Summer Subtropical Climate also known as?
The ‘Mediterranean’ climate, characterized by wet winters and dry summers.
Where is the Humid Subtropical Climate found?
On the east coast of continents, with moderate precipitation and mild cold temperatures during winter. Florida, Georgia, South Carolina
Describe the Humid Continental Climate.
Noted for variable weather patterns related to cyclonic storms and a large temperature range due to its interior location.
