2.4 Climate & Biomes (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): SL): Flashcards
0Still learning
Know0
- FrontWeather & Climate
Define weather.
Was this flashcard helpful?
Cards in this collection (39)
Define weather.
Weather is the current state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, which can change rapidly.
Define climate.
Climate is the long-term average of weather conditions in a particular region, typically measured over 30 years or more.
True or False?
Climate describes the atmospheric conditions at a specific place over just a few hours.
False.
Weather, not climate, describes atmospheric conditions over a short period such as a few hours.
Climate is typically calculated as an average of weather conditions over approximately years or more.
Climate is typically calculated as an average of weather conditions over approximately 30 years or more.
Name three short-term atmospheric variables that make up the weather.
Short-term atmospheric variables that make up the weather include temperature, humidity and precipitation.
Name two factors that influence a region's climate.
A region's climate is influenced by factors such as atmospheric circulation patterns and ocean currents.
True or False?
Greenhouse gas concentrations have no influence on a region's climate.
False.
Greenhouse gas concentrations are one of several factors that influence a region's climate.
Why is it important to distinguish between weather and climate?
Distinguishing between weather and climate is important for analysing long-term climate trends, predicting short-term weather events, and assessing the impacts of climate change on weather patterns.
Besides temperature and humidity, weather also describes short-term variations in cloud cover, wind speed and air .
Besides temperature and humidity, weather also describes short-term variations in cloud cover, wind speed and air pressure.
Besides atmospheric circulation, ocean currents and greenhouse gases, name one other factor that influences a region's climate.
Solar radiation and land features are also factors that influence a region's climate.
Define a biome.
A biome is a group of similar ecosystems that have developed under similar climatic conditions, characterised by their dominant vegetation and climate.
Name the six major groups into which biomes can be categorised.
Biomes can be categorised into freshwater, marine, forest, grassland, desert and tundra biomes.
In the desert biome, the main factor limiting plant growth is , while in the tundra biome it is low temperature and permafrost.
In the desert biome, the main factor limiting plant growth is water, while in the tundra biome it is low temperature and permafrost.
Name the three sub-types of forest biome.
The three sub-types of forest biome are tropical rainforest, temperate forest and boreal forest.
True or False?
Tropical rainforests experience four distinct seasons throughout the year.
False.
Tropical rainforests are hot and wet all year round, with no distinct seasons.
Approximately what proportion of the world's plant and animal species live within the tropical rainforest biome?
Approximately 50% of the world's plant and animal species live within the tropical rainforest biome.
Why are tropical rainforest soils relatively infertile despite the high biodiversity they support?
Tropical rainforest soils are relatively infertile due to leaching and the rapid uptake of nutrients by plants.
True or False?
Boreal forests are more biodiverse than temperate forests.
False.
Boreal forests are less biodiverse than temperate forests.
Name the two sub-types of grassland biome.
The two sub-types of grassland biome are savanna and temperate grassland.
Name three abiotic factors that together determine the global distribution of biomes.
The distribution of biomes is determined by insolation, precipitation and temperature.
Define a range shift in response to global warming.
A range shift occurs when a species moves to a new area to find suitable conditions as its current habitat becomes less hospitable.
Define a biome type change.
A biome type change occurs when a biome transitions into a different type, such as a forest becoming a savanna.
As global temperatures rise, biome boundaries are shifting and upward in elevation.
As global temperatures rise, biome boundaries are shifting poleward and upward in elevation.
True or False?
As global warming continues, colder biomes such as tundra and boreal forest are expanding.
False.
As global warming continues, colder biomes such as tundra and boreal forest are contracting, while warmer biomes expand.
Define global atmospheric circulation.
Global atmospheric circulation is the worldwide system of winds that moves heat energy from the equator to the poles.
What causes wind to form?
Wind forms because air moves from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.
Why does insolation reach the equator at a greater intensity than the poles?
Insolation is greater at the equator than the poles due to the Earth's curvature and the angle of the Earth's tilt.
In an atmospheric pressure cell, hot air while cooler air sinks, through the process of convection.
In an atmospheric pressure cell, hot air rises while cooler air sinks, through the process of convection.
Name the three cells of the tricellular model of atmospheric circulation.
The three cells of the tricellular model are the Hadley, Ferrel and Polar cells.
True or False?
The Hadley cell is the smallest and weakest of the three atmospheric circulation cells.
False.
The Hadley cell is the largest of the three atmospheric circulation cells.
Why do hot deserts typically form beneath the descending air of the Hadley cell?
Hot deserts form because the descending air of the Hadley cell is dry and cloudless, and is warmed by the Sun as it descends.
Define the Ferrel cell.
The Ferrel cell is the middle atmospheric circulation cell, which moves in the opposite direction to the Hadley and Polar cells.
What type of weather is associated with the mid-latitudes, where the Ferrel cell meets the Polar cell?
The mid-latitudes experience frequent unsettled weather, where the Ferrel cell's air rises along the border with cold Polar cell air.
Which biomes are associated with the Hadley cell, due to its high rainfall and temperatures?
The Hadley cell is associated with tropical rainforests and savannas, due to its high rainfall and warmth.
The Polar cell is associated with polar deserts and , due to its cold, dry conditions.
The Polar cell is associated with polar deserts and tundra, due to its cold, dry conditions.
Define an ocean current.
An ocean current is a large-scale movement of ocean water, driven by wind and the Earth's rotation, that transports heat around the world.
In which direction do surface ocean currents typically transport warm water?
Surface ocean currents typically transport warm water from the equator towards the poles.
True or False?
Cold ocean currents tend to bring warmer weather conditions to coastal regions.
False.
Cold ocean currents tend to cool down coastal regions, while warm currents bring milder, warmer conditions.
Give one way that oceanic heat transport affects marine ecosystems.
Oceanic heat transport affects marine ecosystems by influencing patterns of ocean productivity and the distribution of marine species.
Sign up to unlock flashcards
or