Post on 23-Dec-2015
Section 1: Factors Affecting Climate
Section 2: Weather Factors
Section 3: Climate and Vegetation Patterns
CHAPTER 3
Weather and Climate
SECTION 1
Factors Affecting Climate
Question:By which processes does the Sun interact with the Earth’s atmosphere?
SECTION 1
Factors Affecting ClimateThe Sun’s Effect on Earth
The Sun’s energy reaches Earth
Half of the energy is reflected back into space or absorbed by the atmosphere.
The other half is absorbed by Earth’s surface and converted into heat energy.
The atmosphere traps this heat in a process called the greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect helps keep the planet warm.
SECTION 2
Weather Factors
Question:What are the steps in the formation of precipitation, and what are the four common types of precipitation?
SECTION 2
Weather Factors
Formation of Precipitation
rain snow sleet hail
Condensationclouds, dew, fog, frost
evaporation humidity
SECTION 3Climate and Vegetation Patterns
Question:What are the characteristics of tropical humid and tropical wet and dry climates?
SECTION 3Climate and Vegetation Patterns
Tropical humid climate
• close to equator• warm temperatures,
rainfall all year• receives Sun’s rays
directly all year• rising warm, unstable air• monsoons
Tropical wet and dry climates
• north and south of tropical humid• seasonal change in how Sun’s rays hit Earth• alternating wet and dry seasons• savannas
1. How does latitude relate to climate?2. How do atmospheric pressure zones and ocean
currents affect Earth’s energy balance?3. On a global scale, where is precipitation
most common?4. What effects can hurricanes have on local
environments?5. Where will you find climates that are generally
warm and wet all year? What creates dry weather conditions in arid regions?
1. How does latitude relate to climate?2. How do atmospheric pressure zones and ocean
currents affect Earth’s energy balance?3. On a global scale, where is precipitation
most common?4. What effects can hurricanes have on local
environments?5. Where will you find climates that are generally
warm and wet all year? What creates dry weather conditions in arid regions?
CHAPTER 3
Chapter Wrap-Up