Climate Concepts
What is a long-term pattern of weather conditions in a particular area?
Climate
What are ocean currents compared to in the text?
Rivers in the ocean
What happens to temperature as elevation increases?
Temperatures drop as elevation increases.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere by greenhouse gases.
What are two key terms related to climate that students are encouraged to explain?
Convection and greenhouse effect
What phenomenon recognized by 19th-century Peruvian fishermen significantly affects global weather patterns?
El Nino
The Gulf Stream moderates temperatures in Europe by bringing warm water from the tropics.
Why do polar regions remain cold year-round?
Polar regions remain cold year-round due to their high latitude and lack of direct sunlight.
By how much have air temperatures increased since the late 1800s?
Air temperatures have increased by about one degree since the late 1800s.
How do wind and ocean currents impact local climate conditions?
Wind and ocean currents impact local climate by affecting temperature and moisture levels.
Name one of the four major factors that influence climate.
Wind and ocean currents, latitude, elevation, or topography
What are the three latitude zones mentioned in the document?
Tropical, temperate, and polar
How does topography, especially in mountainous areas, affect climate?
Topography influences climate by affecting moisture distribution; mountains can block moist air and create rain shadows.
What do some scientists argue is the primary cause of global warming?
Some scientists argue that global warming is primarily due to the greenhouse effect exacerbated by human activities.
What factors should students consider when assessing the climate in their region?
Students should consider factors such as elevation, proximity to water bodies, and prevailing winds.
How do wind currents help distribute heat around the Earth?
Wind currents distribute heat through convection, creating pressure zones that generate wind.
How do warm and cold ocean currents affect precipitation?
Warm ocean currents can increase air temperature and moisture, leading to more precipitation, while cold currents can decrease them.
What are the significant temperature variations experienced in temperate zones?
Temperate zones experience significant temperature variations due to changing seasons.
List one potential consequence of continued global warming.
Potential consequences include melting ice caps and significant changes to global climate patterns.
What is one activity mentioned that encourages geographic thinking about local climate?
The geographic thinking activity asks readers to consider which factors most significantly influence climate in their region.
Describe the impact of latitude on climate characteristics.
Latitude affects climate characteristics by determining the amount of sunlight received, which influences temperature and weather patterns.
Explain how ocean currents influence regional climates?
Ocean currents influence regional climates by distributing warm and cold water, impacting air temperatures and weather patterns.
How do natural processes and human activities contribute to climate change?
Both natural processes (like volcanic activity) and human activities (like burning fossil fuels) contribute to climate change.
Describe the ongoing debate among scientists regarding the causes of global warming.
The ongoing debate includes discussions about whether current warming is due to natural climate cycles or primarily human influence.
Explain the importance of understanding local climate conditions.
Understanding local climate conditions is important for making informed decisions about agriculture, building, and disaster preparedness.