Climate Factors
Heat energy is trapped in Earth's atmosphere.
greenhouse effect
Any kind of water vapor in the air.
humidity
This means "dry" in terms of climate.
arid
The measurement of heat.
temperature
Polar Regions, Antarctica is a perfect example of this.
Ice Caps
This is the center of low pressure, causing different degrees of UNSTABLE (not safe) weather.
cyclone
condensation
This is where the soil is permanently frozen.
permafrost
A community of plants and animals in an area, along with soil and climate.
ecosystem
Centered along the 30-degree latitude with large deserts in the center. Saharan Africa is the best example of this.
Arid
Otherwise known as trade winds, these winds often flow together and travel in the same direction.
prevailing winds
Name the three dangerous weather conditions caused by cyclones.
tornadoes, hurricanes, and typhoons
The most different types of ecosystems can be found in these climates.
tropical climates
Tropical grasslands, trees, and shrubs with dry and wet seasons.
savannas
Known for changeable seasons and weather conditions in the upper-middle latitudes. Most of the United States is best known for this.
Humid Continental
This occurs when two air masses of widely different temperatures or moisture levels meet.
a front
Dry areas that are next to a mountain due to the lack of moisture coming down the mountain.
rain shadow
These two types of forests can be found in a MIDDLE LATITUDE climate.
deciduous and coniferous forests
The warm north-flowing current alongside the U.S. East Coast.
Gulf Stream
Cool ocean currents, long dry summers, and cool rainfall winters. Greece is best known for this.
Mediterranean
These are caused by the Earth's rotation and the varying temperatures of the oceans.
Ocean currents
This happens when moist air is pushed up a mountain.
orographic effect
The wind system that reverses wind directions, causing BOTH wet and dry weather conditions.
Monsoon
An area where air is heated, expands, becomes less dense, and rises.
low-pressure area
Summers are warm and sunny, while the winters are foggy, cloudy, and rainy. New York and England are best known for this.
Marine West Coast