Earth’s Geography & Climate (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define weather.
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Cards in this collection (14)
Define weather.
Weather is the current state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, and it can change rapidly.
Which four geographic and geologic factors influence both weather and climate?
Weather and climate are influenced by mountains, oceans, altitude, and latitude.
Define climate.
Climate is the long-term average of weather conditions in a particular region, usually taken over about 30 years or more.
Define rain shadow.
A rain shadow is a dry region on the leeward side of a mountain range that receives little precipitation.
True or False?
Weather includes short-term variations in air pressure and wind speed.
True.
Weather covers short-term variations in temperature, humidity, cloud cover, precipitation, wind speed, and air pressure.
Why do polar regions have colder temperatures than tropical regions?
Polar regions have colder temperatures because they receive less direct sunlight than tropical regions.
In a rain shadow, moist air rises up the side of a mountain, where it cools and condenses into precipitation.
In a rain shadow, moist air rises up the windward side of a mountain, where it cools and condenses into precipitation.
Why does Mount Kilimanjaro have snow at its peak even though it is near the equator?
Mount Kilimanjaro has snow at its peak because of its high elevation; higher altitudes have lower temperatures and thinner air.
True or False?
Coastal areas experience greater temperature fluctuation than inland regions.
False.
Oceans absorb and release heat slowly, so coastal areas have milder climates with less temperature fluctuation, while inland areas experience more extreme temperatures.
The Gulf Stream is a ocean current that keeps Europe's climate milder than expected for its latitude.
The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that keeps Europe's climate milder than expected for its latitude.
How does the California Current affect the west coast of North America?
The California Current is a cold current that cools the west coast of North America.
Why is the air that descends the leeward side of a mountain dry?
The air is dry because most of its moisture has already fallen as rain or snow before it reaches the summit, and it warms as it descends, creating arid conditions.
How do global wind belts such as the trade winds and westerlies affect climate?
Global wind belts distribute heat and moisture across the planet.
Why is the Great Basin Desert so dry?
The Great Basin Desert lies in the rain shadow on the leeward side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so it receives little precipitation.
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