Physical Environment Interactions Pt. 2

Climate Change

The greenhouse effect

1. Solar radiation enters earths atmosphere

2. Some heats earths surface: some is reflected

3. Greenhouse gases trp some reflected heat

What are greenhouse gases

Gases that trap heat in the earths atmosphere

Examples

Carbon dioxide

Methane

Nitrous oxide

Ozone

Water vapor

Why would warmer climate be a good thing

Longer growing season

More food

More time at the beach

Longer construction season

Fewer bus,plain, train delays

More cruises holidays and trips

Fewer power outages

More space for people to live

Climate Basics

Climate Graphs

Two graphs in one

Line graph showing temperature

Measure in°C

Y axis on left side

Plot monthly values in middle of each column

Coneect dots with a red lign

Bar graph showing precipitation

Draw bars for each month precip

Measured in mmper month

Y axis on right side

Colour them blue

Growing season

Draw a line at 5.6°C

Colour the space between the line and your red temp line

Climate Vs. Weather

Climate

Average weather of a place, over long period of time

Weather

Day to day

Temperature

Precipitation (rain,snow,hail)

Humidity

Wind

Temperature Range

Highest temp. minus lowest temp.

Factors Affecting Climate

L.O.W.E.R. Near water

Latitude

The higher the latitude the lower the temperature

Ocean Currents

Ocean currents affect the temp. of air that passes over it

When 2 currents meet the weather is often damp & foggy

Wind & air masses

Air moisture releasing precipitation

Less precipitation inland (Continental loocation)

Oceans contain moisture

Elevation

The higher the elevation the lower the temperature

When air rises, it expands, because there is less air pressure

As air expands it loses heat

Higher elevation = more moisture

Relief

Mountains block precipitation

As the moist air rises up the windward side at mountain range it expands & cools

Leeward = dry side, Nickname: Rain shadow

Windward = wet side

Near Water

Farther away from water bodies = hot summers, cold winters & less precip.

Closer to water bodies = colder summers, warmer winters & more precip.

Soil & Vegetation

Four components that make true soil

Minerals

Minerals needed by plants and animals

Bacteria and organic materials

Decomposed plants and animals. That give nutrients to plants

Gives soil its dark color

Air

Plants need air in the roots

Moisture

Water dissolves nutrients into soil so plants can suck them up

How is topsoil formed

Oganic materials are added to the top

How long did it take topsoil to form

6000-1200 yrs

Why does size of rock particle matter to soil

The bigger the rock the more minerals it has

Difference between leaching and calcifiction

Leaching: When soil takes water underground so plants cant use it

Calcification: Soil gives water to plants

Which trees could survive harsh climate, Coniferous or deciduous

Coniferous trees

They can extract minerals from bad soil

Have sap that works as anti-freeze

Have waxy needles to prevent water loss in droughts

Branches and needles shack of snow easily

Their needles can conduct photosynthesis on warm days even out season

deciduous trees

Can not survive in winter

Types of Precipitation

relief

1. Air mass forced up by mountains

2. Air cools

3. Moisture condenses into clouds

4. Precipitation occurs

Cyclonic

1. Warm & cold air collide

2. Spin

3. Warm air forced up by cold air

4. Air cools

5. Moisture condenses into clouds

6. Precipitation occurs

Convectional

1. Sun heats earth's surface

2. Warm air forms and rises

3. Air cools

4. Moisture condenses into clouds

5. Precipitation occurs

Climate Regions

Pacific

Tempature

Small temp. range

doesn't go below 0°

Precipitation

Less in summer, More in winter

Highprecip.

Mountain

Temperature

Small temp. range

Doesn't go below 0°

Precipitation