Post on 19-Jan-2018
description
Shaping Our Planet
The Water Cycle
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9Yi4dAzHsc
EvaporationConversion of a liquid to the vapor state by the addition of heat
Transpirationis the evaporation of water from plants
Condensation• Condensation is the process by which water
vapor in the air is changed into liquid water.• Condensation is crucial to the water cycle
because it is responsible for the formation of clouds.
Precipitation
• Rain, Snow and Ice
Draw the Water Cycle
Water Cycle
The Rock Cycle• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53lMdHzvGCQ
Climate and Weather
LatitudeElevationMountain BarriersProximity to WaterOcean CurrentsStormsAtmospheric Pressure
Latitude
• Warmer air “holds” more water• Low pressure=warm air=precipitation• High pressure=cold air=dry air
Elevation
• Equator receives most insolation• Hot air rises, heads towards poles• Air becomes heavy and sinks at 30°N and S• Plus the Coriolis effect
Elevation
• For each 1,000 foot rise in altitude there is a 4°F drop in temperature.
• For example, if at sea level the average temperature is 75°F, at 10,000 feet the average temperature would be only 35°F. This has a dramatic effect on plant and animal distribution.
Mountain Boundaries
Proximity To Water
Proximity to WaterLake Effect Snow
Ocean currents
• Follow same circular pattern (driven by wind)• Warm currents flow away from equator, pile up on
eastern shores– Gulf Stream, Brazil
• Cold currents flow towards equator, cause upwelling– Humboldt/Peru, California
El Niño (more rain)
La Niña (less rain)
Storms• Start at low pressure centers• Warm air rises• Water evaporates with energy from sun
• With condensation, energy is released
Atmospheric pressure
• Air is a fluid• Warmer air is less dense• Air moves from dense to less dense conditions• Ex.: Land-sea breezes
Natural Processes That Change Climates
Climate Changes
Solar Activity• When the sun is most active, it contains dark
blemishes called sunspots. The formation of sunspots appears to correspond with warm
periods in Europe and North America. Earth Motions
• Geographic changes in Earth’s land and water bodies cause changes in climate.
• Changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit and the tilt of Earth on its axis are other Earth motions
that affect global climates.
Human Impact on Climate Changes
Climate Changes
The Greenhouse Effect• The greenhouse effect is a natural warming of both Earth’s lower atmosphere and Earth’s surface
from solar radiation being absorbed and emitted by the atmosphere.
Global Warming• As a result of increased levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, global
temperatures have increased. This increase is called global warming.
Tropical Rainforest
Desert
•Mediterranean
Marine West Coast
•Humid Continental
Highland
Tundra
Steppe
Humid Subtropical
Savanna
Ice Cap
Subarctic