Module 6 Part 2

Question 1

Identify the main factors controlling elements of climate

Hint: there are five

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Describe how climates are classified. (3)

Note: Classification is the process of grouping data or phenomena into related categories

Answer 2

(1) Genetic classification: is a climate classification based on causative factors
- interaction of air masses that generates precipitation
(2) Empirical classification is a climate classification based on statistical data such as variations in air temperature and precipitation
(3) Koppen System (in textbook)
- Average monthly temperature
- Average monthly precipitation
- Total annual precipitation

Question 3

Present evidence of climate change within the Earth-atmosphere system and the impacts of these changes on the lithosphere, biosphere, and cryosphere

Answer 3

State of current climate: information derived from ice core data, weather station data, and remote sensing data

• 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