Test 1 Flashcards
Biogeography Def
relationship b/w landscape/natural patterns and processes that create/modify them
Three Fundamental processes of interest
Dispersal, Extinction, Evolution
all linked
Latitude
Angular measure from center of earth to surface
3 main influences on latitudinal patterns
- amount of sun that hits surface (atmosphere)
- sphericity
- axial tilt
Incoming solar radiation
short wave
most @ equator
Outgoing radiation
long wave energy (heat)
about equal everywhere
Albedo def and value and general idea
surface reflection/ability to absorb - 30%
lose a lot of energy early on
Subsolar point
rays perpendicular to surface - higher intensity
why does energy decrease as latitude increases?
sphericity
23.5 degrees N
Tropic of Cancer
23.5 degrees S
Tropic of Capricorn
Vernal Equinox
Spring
3/21
Sun @ equator
Winter Solstice
Winter 12/21
Sun @ tropic of capricorn
Autumnal Equinox
fall 9/21
Sun @ equator
Summer Solstice
Summer 6/21
Sun @ Tropic of Cancer
Above/Below 66.5 there are periods of time where
there is no sun
Arctic Circle
66.5N
Antarctic Circle
66.5S
Is tilt totally stable?
No, but it is imperceptible
Cycle length 41,000 yrs
Precession of the Equinoxes
Timing of when earth is near/far from sun
cycle length 28,000 yrs
Aphelion
earth’s orbit farthest from sun
Perihelion
earth’s orbit closest to the sun
Orbital Eccentricity
Shape of Orbit
What factors would contribute to earth’s mass cooling?
max tilt, aphelion/perihelion coincide w/ summer, shape of orbit more elliptical
Factors that modify surface temp @ smaller scales than latitude
Elevation
Continentality
Clouds
Ocean Currents
Why does higher elevation have lower temps?
w/ gravity fewer molecules -> fewer collisions -> lower temps
Why are temp conditions more extreme on land?
Land warms/cools rapidly compared to large bodies of water
Clouds affect on temp?
Reflective Energy & trap long wave outgoing
–> lower daily temp and warmer night