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1. Weather – The daily condition of the atmosphere Includes temperature and precipitation

2. Climate – Weather measured over a long period of time (usually 30 years)

Climate vs. Weather

Tropical Zone

Temperate Zone

Temperate Zone

Polar Zone

Polar Zone

Climate Zones

Warm summers, Warm winters

Mild summers, Mild winters

Mild summers, Mild winters

Cool summers, Cold winters

Cool summers, Cold winters

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Distribution of Biomes• Temperature and precipitation determine the

distribution of the world’s biomes.

Left: http://www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/images/ecosystems/worldclimate.gif

Biomes

Temperature Precipitation

BIOME

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Biomes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xcSpOnabkU

As you watch the video, add information to your graphic organizer for Tropical Rainforest, Tundra, and Desert

Biomes: The Influence of Climate

•Lower latitudes (near the Equator)

•Warm temperatures, abundant precipitation (often)

•Tropical rainforests and grasslands

Tropical Biomes

•Middle latitudes (Temperate zone)

• Adapted to seasonal shifts in temperatures and precipitation

• Deciduous forests, mixed forests, temperate grasslands

Temperate Biomes

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Images of Biomes Tropical Biome = Tropical Rainforest

Temperate Biome = Deciduous Forest

Biomes: The Influence of Climate

•Higher latitudes (Polar zone)

•Colder temperatures

•Coniferous forests & tundra

Polar Biomes

•Areas with limited precipitation

•Plants & animals have special adaptations

Desert Biomes

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Images of Biomes

Polar Biomes = Coniferous Forest

Desert Biomes = Hot deserts

World Climate Regions

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Factors that affect climate

Mountain Barriers

Elevation

Latitude

Continentality

Ocean Currents

Mountain Barriers (draw the pic)

Rain shadow Effect: Mountains block wind and rain

Windward Side (Wet) Leeward Side (Dry)

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Elevation

Increase in elevation =

Decrease in temperature

Latitude

How far °N or °S of equator

Equator = direct rays = hot

Poles = very indirect rays = cold

Biggest effect on climate!!

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Continentality

Oceans are solar energy collectors

water heats & cools more slowly than land… Coastline - stable temperature

Interior - extreme temperatures (hotter & colder)

Continentality

San Diego and Dallas. Both are roughly located at 32°N.

Temp Range Dallas = 45⁰ (90‐45)

Temp Range San Diego = 15⁰ (70‐55)

Why? San Diego is on the Coast

How is this is an example of how the interior of a continent has more extreme temperatures?

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Ocean Currents Giant ‘rivers’ of sea water flowing at surface of

oceans

They flow in circular paths: Warm currents carry water from low → high

latitudes,

Cool currents return cooled water from high → low latitudes.

Ocean CurrentsAnalyze the climate graphs of London & Winnipeg. Notice on the map that they are located on similar lines of latitude. How is this an example of how ocean currents affect climate?

Gulf Stream Current