Lesson 1 Vocab
condition of the atmosphere in one place during a short period of time.
Weather
air moving across the surface of the Earth
Wind
plant life that grows in a certain area if people have not changed the natural environment.
Natural vegetation
regions do not experience the moderating effect of ocean winds because of their northerly continental, or inland, locations. North Dakota is an example.
Humid Continental Climate
weather patterns typical for an area over a long period of time.
Climate
cold or warm stream of seawater that flows in the oceans, generally in a circular pattern.
Ocean Currents
being or facing the direction from which the wind is blowing. (Against the wind)
Windward
characterized by short, mild winters and nearly year round rain. Includes the SE United States.
Humid subtropical climate
in astronomy, the Earth’s yearly trip around the sun, taking 365 ¼ days.
Revolution
wind in a region that blows in a fairly constant directional pattern.
Prevailing Winds
major type of ecological community defined primarily by distinctive plant and animal groups.
Biome
List the two types of Dry Climates
Steppes
Desert
an imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth between the North and South Poles.
Axis
a frequently windless area near the Equator.
Doldrums
being in or facing the direction toward which the wind is blowing. (back to the wind)
Leeward
brings cool summers, and cool damp winters. Located in the Pacific Coast of North America
Marine West Coast Climate
one of two days, (about March 21st and September 23rd) on which the sun is directly above the Equator, making day and night equal in length.
one of two days, (about June 21st and December 22nd) on which the sun’s rays strike directly on the Tropic of Cancer or Tropic of Capricorn, marking the beginning of summer or winter.
Which one is which
Equinox: (about March 21st and September 23rd)
Solstice: (about June 21st and December 22nd)
the resulting deflection of prevailing winds caused by the Earth’s rotation.
Coriolis effect
result of a process by which dry areas develop on the leeward sides of mountain ranges.
Rain Shadow
have mild, rainy winters and hot, and dry summers. includes Central California.
Mediterranean Climate