Chapter 15 The Biosphere. Climate Developed by trapping of heat in the atmosphere, latitude,...
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Transcript of Chapter 15 The Biosphere. Climate Developed by trapping of heat in the atmosphere, latitude,...
Chapter 15
The Biosphere
Climate
Developed by trapping of heat in the atmosphere, latitude, transport of heat by wind or water currents, precipitation, shape of land and elevation
Incoming sunlight has a major role Microclimate-climate of a small specific
place within a larger area
Greenhouse effect
Gases in atmosphere keep heat close to earth
Prevents some heat from escaping into space; Earth stays too warm
Main gas involved is CO2
Latitude
Latitude and heating angle produce 3 climate zonesPolar-cold areas, sun at low angle, between
66.5o and 90o both north and southTemperate-between polar and tropic zones,
wider range of temperatures with seasonsTropic-at the equator, between 23.5o north
and 23.5o south
Air and water movement
Heat causes movement of air and water Warm air and water are less dense the
cool air and water causing them to rise As they rise they cool (for water this
produces precipitation) Movement of air produces movement in
water causing currents
Land masses
Help shape climates Areas closer to water have less extreme
“seasons” than those areas farther inland Mountains can affect precipitation (one
side will receive much precipitation throughout the year, the other side in is “rain shadow”)
Biomes
Large groups of ecosystems that share climax communities
Land or waterAquatic-oceans, lakes, streams, rivers, pondsTerrestrial-land
Terrestrial biomes
6 major land biomes on EarthTundraTaigaDesertGrasslandTemperate forestRain forest
Tundra
Low animal diversity permafrost Long summers Short periods of winter sunlight Temperature always below freezing Supports grasses and small plants Location: North and South poles
Taiga
Northern coniferous forest Warmer and wetter than tundra Long severe winters Short mild summers Provides food / shelter for animals Location: parts of Canada, Northern
Europe, Asia
Desert
Arid region Sparse plant life Animals usually nocturnal Less than 25cm of precipitation yearly Location: northern Africa, southwestern
US
Grassland
Large areas with grasses and small plants Have a dry season Rich soil Supports 100 species per acre 25-27cm rain annually Location: Mid-Europe, Mid-US
Temperate forest
Broad-leaved, hard-wood trees Trees lose leaves in autumn Rich top soil Clay beneath top soil 70-150cm rain annually Location: Eastern US
Rain Forest
Warm, wet areas Lush plant growth Equatorial regions Warm temperatures all year At least 200cm rain annually Location: Central America
Aquatic biomes
2 sub biomes Marine-2 zone regions
Photic zone-shallow area where light penetrates
Aphotic zone-deep water without light
Aquatic biomes
Marine land regionsEstuary-coastal area partially surrounded by
land; fresh and salt water mix Intertidal zone-shore between high and low
tide linesNeritic zone-from low tide mark to edge of
continental shelfBathyl zone-from edge of neritic zone to base
of continental shelfAbyssal zone-below 2000 meters; complete
darkness
Aquatic biomes
Coral reefs - tropic climate zone, warm water temperatures all year
Kelp forests – cold, nutrient rich waters
Aquatic biomes
Freshwater-ecosystem that supports various types of organisms at different temperatures and levels of light
Standing-water such as lakes and ponds Running water-rivers and streams Wetlands where water covers the soil for
at least part of the year
estuary
Partially enclosed body of water where fresh and salt water mix
Contains high level so nutrients due to runoff
Also provide protection to coastal areas during major storms
Watershed
Region of land that drains into a river, river system, or other body of water
Ponds and lakes
Littoral zone-between the high and low water marks on the shoreline; high levels of light, warm and shallow
Limnetic zone-open water farther from shore; lots of plankton
Benthic zone-lake or pond bottom; less light; lots of decomposers