Transcript wg 3.11
Chapter 3.1
Pg. 41
Factors Affecting Climate
The Sun and Latitude
Weather
is the conditions of the atmosphere at a
given time and place. Weather conditions over a
given time are the climate of that region.
The tilt of the Earth and the Sun make differences
in weather and climate.
Continued
When
the Sun’s energy hits Earth about half is
reflected back. Earth’s surface absorbs the other
half. The measurement of heat is called
temperature.
Earth’s atmosphere traps heat energy in a process
called the Greenhouse effect.
Continued
Evidence
shows that Earth has gotten warmer in
recent decades. Called Global Warming and most
scientists believe it is caused by humans.
Burning coal, natural gas and oil adds carbon
dioxide to the lower atmosphere. Carbon dioxide
absorbs heat. Reducing production of carbon
dioxide could help with stopping global warming.
Some people do not believe in Global Warming.
Atmospheric Pressure
Air
Pressure
The higher you go the less air you have pressing
down on you.
Low pressure areas also occur when the air is
heated.
Low pressure usually accompanies unstable
weather conditions.
Continued
Cold
air is dense and sinks toward Earth’s surface.
Creates a high pressure area. Air sinks it heats and
dries and causes high pressure.
4 major air pressure zones. Equatorial low,
subtropical highs, subpolar lows, ad the polar
highs.
Global Wind Belts
Wind
is the horizontal flow of air. Flows from
high to low pressure.
Move heat and cold across earth.
Winds that flow in the same direction most of the
time are prevailing winds.
Doldrums are around the equator and there is not
much wind.
Oceans and Currents
Water
heats and cools more slowly than land, land
near the ocean do not have such great temperature
ranges as areas in the interior of continents.
Great Rivers of seawater, called currents, are also
important to climate.
Gulf Stream flows north along the U.S. east coast
is a warm current.