Climates & Biomes

Question 1

Climate vs. Weather

Answer 1

Weather: short-term atmospheric conditions
Climate: long-term atmospheric conditions (what is typical in a given location). Climate regions are locations with similar climates.

Question 2

Types of Climate Classification

Answer 2

Genetic: based on origin of atmospheric conditions
Empirical: based on outcome (temperature, moisture patterns, etc.)

Question 3

What is the Koppen Classification System?

Answer 3

An Empirical Approach based on moisture/temperature characteristics.

Question 4

What are the 5 main groups under the Koppen system?

Answer 4

Tropical
Mesothermal
Microthermal
Polar/Highland
Arid

Question 5

Describe Tropical Climates

Answer 5

(A)

• starting at equator and moving away
• no cold season (average cool month temperature above 64 degrees F

Question 6

Describe Arid Climates

Answer 6

(B)

-annual moisture deficits

Question 7

Describe Mesothermal Climates

Answer 7

(C)

• recognizable seasons but does not get really cold
• average cool month temperature above 27 degrees F

Question 8

Describe Microthermal Climates

Answer 8

(D)

• has warm time of year but with cold winters
• average cool month temperature below 27 degrees F
• average warm month temperature above 50 degrees F

Question 9

Describe Polar Climates

Answer 9

(E)

• no warm season, their summer is as cold as their winter
• average warm month temperature below 50 degrees F
• approximates limit of tree growth
• Highland (H) is a cold climate due to altitude

Question 10

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 10

A self-regulating association of living and non-living elements

Question 11

Climate vs. Biome vs. Ecosystem

Answer 11

Climate: group places with similar atmospheric conditions
Biome: group places with similar ecosystems
Ecosystem: Biotic & abiotic elements (living and non-living)