Intro to Climate
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term while climate is long-term
The minimum temperature a plant can survive is called its...
cold tolerance
Is humidity good or bad for plants?
Good
Ocean currents and large bodies of water _________ temperatures
moderate
Define microclimate
A small area that has slightly different climatic conditions than the surrounding area
Which climate zone is the U.S. mainly in?
Temperate
Calculate the growing degree-day requirement:
Plant baseline = 49
Average temperature on July 7 = 89
40
A location's light duration depends on its...
distance from the equator/seasons
Define rain shadow
Define air drainage
rain shadow - eastern slopes of mountains are much drier than western slopes
air drainage - cold air pools in low lying areas
Name two indoor microclimates.
near windows
upstairs rooms/basement
bathrooms/kitchens
What are three climate variations in the U.S.?
Mediterranean Climates
Deserts
Subtropical Climates
What are three results of too much rainfall?
Fruits taste watery
plant diseases are spread
Define humidity. How is it affected by temperature?
The amount of water vapor the air contains compared to the amount of water it can potentially contain at a given temperature.
The higher the temperature, the more water vapor air can hold
Forests in the temperate zone include:
deciduous forests, coniferous forests, mixed forests
Name three outdoor microclimates
under eaves of houses
shaded areas
frost pockets
In spring most plants go through...
In summer most plants go through...
1. growth flush, new leaves and stems
2. period of maturation, accumulation of energy to survive winter
What does snow protect plants from in the winter? Define the two key terms.
chill factor = wind passes over wet object, reducing its temperature
sublimation = change of water from solid to gas, without becoming liquid
What are the three designations of locations based on shade?
Full sun
Partial shade
Full shade
What are three impacts of smog on plants?
Increased heat exposure
decreased light exposure
decreased growth due to toxic gases
foliage injury
What are three plant adaptations to desert climates and their uses?
thick stem or fleshy, thick leaves - increased water storage
living mostly underground - protection from sun exposure
waxy cuticle or hairs on leaves - reduced water loss
In fall most plants go through...
In winter most plants go through...
1. period of transition (losing leaves, releasing seeds)
2. dormancy
Describe how radiation frosts occur in three steps.
1. heat reservoir builds up during the day on land
2. heat reservoir is depleted when temps decrease at night
3. Frost develops when plant and soil temperatures go below freezing
Describe how wind can be both good and bad for plants. Is it possible for plants to adapt to windy conditions? If so, what is one example of a wind adaptation?
Good: spreads seeds
Bad: high winds can break branches, reduce temperatures
Yes, palm trees have bendable trunks
Name the four climate zones and give one characteristic for each.
polar
temperate
subtropical
tropical
What are the two maps for the plant Growing zones and what do they measure?
USDA plant hardiness map - minimum winter temperatures
AHS Heat-Zone Map - high temperatures in areas