Module 6

Question 1

Distinguish between weather and climate

Answer 1

Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a specific place and time on earth surface. Climate is the long-term average values of weather elements, such as temperature and precipitation

Question 2

Describe the five large scale factors that influence climate

Answer 2

Latitude: the intensity of insulation and day length have a direct impact on air temperatures
Seasonality: annual variations of sun angle influence seasonal temperature changes
Air mass circulation: leads to predictable weather patterns
Maritime/Continental: impacts temperature and precipitation patterns
Topography colon influences atmospheric processes and precipitation patterns

Question 3

Explain the Koppen classification system and how it is used to differentiate regions on earth

Answer 3

Six major climate groups: ABCDEH
Range from tropical latitudes (A) to high latitudes (E) to high altitude regions (H)
Distinguished on the basis of surface air temperature

Second and third letters are based on more specific temperature and moisture atributes

Question 4

Discuss the characteristics of major Koppen climate regions in North America

Answer 4

Mesothermal (C) Climates: distinct warm seasons and cold seasons

Micro thermal (D): longer cold seasons and shorter warm seasons

Polar (E):Long cold winters with little precipitation

Semi arid and Arid (B): Subtropical high creates dry environments with low total annual precipitation

Question 5

Discuss the issue of global climate change

Answer 5

Evidence of present climate change include: increasing temp over land and ocean surfaces and in troposphere; increasing sea surface temperatures And ocean heat content; melting glacial ice and sea ice; rising sea level

Question 6

Distinguish between natural and anthropogenic factors that affect global climate change

Answer 6

Natural is a part of earths cyclical climate changes. Anthropogenic factors are caused or increased by human activity