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