2.72.7Climatic Zones Climatic Zones p. 75-81p. 75-81

P. 75 fig. 5.1

Describe climatic conditions within Describe climatic conditions within selected zones selected zones p. 75p. 75

6 climate regions6 climate regions Each has sub-regionsEach has sub-regions

Tropical Climates - CommonTropical Climates - Common LOW latitudes

(near equator)

Between the “Tropics!”

Temp. over 180C every day

Hence a relatively flat temperature line

warm ocean currents & prevailing winds = high precipitation.

REALLY ?!?!REALLY ?!?! NOTE: Even though the tropic climates are hot,

they are not the hottest climatic region. Why not?

With rainfall comes constant cloud cover…which reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the earth.

What other effect can cloud cover have on temperatures in this region?

HINT: NIGHT….

Muggy!!! Hot, wet air

Tropical Tropical WetWet & & DryDry - Climate graphs - Climate graphs

•Notice:

•Relatively flat temperature line

•Temperature relatively constant & high (19-270C)

•Wet and dry seasons (monsoons)!!!

Tropical WetTropical Wet - Climate - Climate graphsgraphs

•Precipitation in each month is high

•Temperature constant & high (19-270C)

•Relatively flat temperature line

Dry Climates

Dry Climates

All Dry climates:

< 500mm precipitation annually 10-30 N & S May be continental, leeward side of mountain or influenced

by cold ocean current. More evaporation than precipitation Little vegetation Often windy with No cloud cover High daytime temperatures, Low nighttime temperatures Temperatures may vary seasonally

Arid - Climate graphsArid - Climate graphs

Semi-Arid - Climate graphsSemi-Arid - Climate graphs

REMEMBER!!!!

The main factor that characterizes the DRY climate zone is the amount of precipitation – that is, there is not much!

Temperate Mild Winter

Temperate Mild WinterTemperate Mild Winter Mild winter ( above -3oC). Mild winters usually caused by

ocean currents Mid Latitudes (30-60 N & S) Usually near oceans (coastal) Summer temperatures vary

Temperate Mild Winter

Mediterranean

Marine West Coast

Subtropical

Which is further north??

Temperate COLD Winter

Locations generally affected by continentality Ex. Reason for colder winters!

Mostly inland (continental)

Generally the mid Latitudes (30-60 N)

Highest precipitation occurs during summer

Subarctic

Continental Warm Summer

Continental Cool Summer

Temperate COLD Winter

Which is further north??

Polar Region High latitudes (+60o latitude)Near poles

Short cool summers Never exceeds 10o CColdest, darkest & driest winters

Polar Region

Ice Cap

TundraNotice how little precipitation occurs. WHY???

Which is further north??

Highlands

• Elevations over 1000 m

• Colder conditions than the lower lying areas surrounding it.

• Climates from one highland to another will vary because of latitude, proximity to oceans

Patterns of climatic zonesPatterns of climatic zones Globally speaking where is each climatic zone Globally speaking where is each climatic zone

concentrated?concentrated?

1. Tropical ____

2. Dry ____

3. Temperate ___

4. Polar ____

5. Highland ____

PracticePractice Question #2 p. 75 Part aQuestion #2 p. 75 Part a

Georgetown, Guyana

• Tropical

• (Tropical wet)

Bombay, India

• Tropical - Monsoonal

• (Tropical Wet & Dry)

Montreal

• Temperate Cold Winter

• (Continental Warm Summer)

Alice Springs Australia

• Dry (arid/semiarid)

PracticePractice Question #2 p. 75 Part bQuestion #2 p. 75 Part b

• Montreal & Alice Springs have wide temperature ranges

• Re. Temperature ; colder winter in Montreal

• Re. precipitation; more in Montreal

• Re. Months of summer; opposite summer months due to North & south Hemispheres

PracticePractice Question #2 p. 75 Part c Different hemispheres

give opposite seasons

• Question #2 p. 75 Part d• Montreal = temperate cold

winter (Cont. Warm Summer)

• Alice springs = Dry (Semi-arid)

• Question #3 p. 77 is a good practice question too.