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Activity 2

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

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juliuspadua1985
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17 views

Activity 2

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Uploaded by

juliuspadua1985
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Large Scale Patterns

of Climatic Variation
Understanding Climate Zones, Weather
vs. Climate, and Influencing Factors
Julius Padua
Weather
vs.
Climate
•This term refers to the current atmospheric conditions, including
temperature, humidity, and precipitation, at a specific place and time.
WEATHER
•This term describes the average atmospheric conditions over a long
period, usually 30 years or more, in a specific region.
CLIMATE
•This can change from day to day or even hour to hour.
WEATHER
•This term is used when talking about patterns like dry summers or
wet winters in a particular area.
CLIMATE
•It involves short-term variations, such as a sudden thunderstorm or a
sunny afternoon.
WEATHER
•This is what you consider when determining what clothes to pack for
a vacation to a particular region.
CLIMATE
•This is a general description, like saying a region has a tropical or
arid characteristic.
CLIMATE
• Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions (e.g.,
temperature, humidity, precipitation) in a specific area.

• Climate: Long-term average of weather patterns in a


region over a significant period.

Example:
Today’s weather vs. the overall climate of a region.
How Earth's Tilt and Orbit
Create Climate Zones
Climate zones are areas with distinct
climates. These zones might
correspond to weather patterns,
latitude, or communities of plants
• Tilt of the Earth: The Earth is tilted at an
and animals.
angle of 23.5 degrees, affecting the amount of
sunlight different regions receive.
• Orbit around the Sun: The elliptical orbit
leads to varying distances from the sun,
impacting seasonal changes.
Climate Zones
3 Major Climate Zones

• Tropical Zone: Located near the equator,


characterized by warm temperatures year-
round.

• Temperate Zone: Found between the


tropics and polar regions, with distinct
seasonal changes.

• Arctic/Polar Zone: Located near the poles,


characterized by cold temperatures and ice-
Factors Influencing
Climate
• Latitude: Affects the intensity and
duration of sunlight received.

• Altitude: Higher altitudes have cooler


temperatures due to thinner air.

• Ocean Currents: Distribute heat around


the planet, affecting coastal climates.
The Impact of Latitude
on Climate
• Equator receives
direct sunlight year-
round, resulting in
warmer climates.

• Poles receive less


direct sunlight,
leading to colder
climates.
The Role of Altitude in
Climate
• As altitude increases,
temperature generally
decreases.

• Example: Mountain regions often have


cooler climates compared to
surrounding lowlands.
Ocean Currents and
Climate
Ocean Currents and
Climate

• Warm and cold currents affect


coastal regions' climates.
• Example: Gulf Stream warms
Western Europe; Humboldt Current
cools the west coast of South
America.
Conclusion

Understanding these
concepts is crucial for
studying ecological
patterns and
environmental science.
Activity 2
Exploring the Impact of Climate on
Vegetation and Animal Life in
Different Regions
Objective: To understand how climate influences the type of
vegetation and animal life in specific regions, with a focus on practical
examples.
Task Description: Students will explore the relationship between
climate, vegetation, and animal life in different regions. Students will
analyze TWO specific regions, examine its climate, and discuss how
it shapes the types of plants and animals that thrive there.

Region to Focus:
• Amazon Rainforest, South America
• Sahara Desert, Africa
• Tundra, Arctic Circle
• Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe
• Temperate Deciduous Forest, Eastern United States

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