APES 10/23 and 24NO WARM-UP TODAY

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Abiotic (Non-Living) Factors We are continuing our learning of abiotic factors that affect ecosystemsCycles of matterClimateAir CurrentsOcean Currents

Learning Targets I can describe the major factors that impact climate

◦ Unequal solar heating that creates convenction ◦ Coriolis effect◦ Prevailing winds

Climate and air Currents

The Atmosphere

Troposphere- first 11 miles Stratosphere – next 11-30 miles◦lower portion has ozone layer

◦Meso, Thermo, Exosphere less important to APES

How does temperature change as you move through the atmosphere?

Why?

GREENHOUSE EFFECT-natural process in which heat- trapping gases (CO2, H20 vapor, CH4), traps heat in the troposphere. Without this, Earth would be cold and lifeless.

Weather Short term physical properties of the troposphere Temp., pressure, humidity, precipitation, cloud cover, wind direction and speedLess important than climate in effect on ecosystems

ClimateLong term weather of an areaGlobal temperature and precipitation determined by uneven heating of earth by sunLead to distinct climate zones according to latitude

Climate type

Cold

Cool Temperate

Warm Temperate

Tropical

(equator)

Tropical

Warm Temperate

Cool Temperate

Cold

Fig. 6.6a, p. 125

Factors that Influence Climate

1. Uneven heating of earth’s surface (because it’s a sphere)

2. Rotation of earth on its axis (Coriolis Effect) 3. Properties of air, water, and land

All of these create predictable ocean and air currents

Factors that Influence Climate

Solar radiation hits the equator directly, but strikes the rest of the globe at an increasingly less direct angle.Albedo= measure of percent of

sunlight reflected by a surfaceEquator has highest albedoThis uneven heating creates a

temp. imbalance that affects the air

ConvectionConvection currents- global patterns of air movement created by unequal heating of earthWarm air from equator rises and moves to cold polar regions by convectionCold air sinks at the poles- this is the

main source of our wind patterns

Convection Currents

Convection currents are found at specific places, based on earth’s latitude

Air currents occurring on either side of the equator (up to 30 degrees) are called Hadley Cells

Branch off from the direct heating that occurs at the equator (Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)).

Polar cells are the convection cells near the poles Ferrel cells are in between Polar cells and Hadley cells

Air Circulation Patterns- Prevailing Winds

Tradewinds- sub tropics Westerlies - temperate latitudes Doldrums- still air along equator

Air Circulation Patterns

We see why the air is moving (convection), but why in those directions? Coriolis Effect- rising warm air masses are deflected to the west or the eastThis occurs because the earth is rotating!

Air Circulation Patterns

All together! Convection cells and prevailing winds caused by unequal heating and the Coriolis effect.

Checks for Understanding

Using your new knowledge about climate and air currents, why do we have a temperate, moist climate?

Use the terms Coriolis effect, convection, ferrel cell, and prevailing winds

Ocean Currents & El Nino

Ocean currents move in a predictable way, also due to unequal solar energy and the Coriolis Effect (notes next time)However, sometimes these currents move in an abnormal way! HW: learn about El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) by doing a guided online assignmentDO ALL EXCEPT THE LAST SECTIONACCESS IT ONLINE AND SAVE IT AS A GOOGLE DOC