The Biosphere

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The Biosphere

• The Role of Climate

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What is Climate?

• Weather
• The Day-To-Day Condition of Earths Atmosphere at
  a Particular Time Place

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What is Climate?

• Climate
• The Average Year-after-Year Conditions of
  Temperature Precipitation in a Particular Region

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What is Climate?

• Climate Is Caused By
• Trapped Heat
• Latitude
• Winds
• Ocean Currents
• Precipitation
• Shape of Land

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The Greenhouse Effect

• Key Concept
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Water Vapor,
  and a Few Other Atmospheric Gases Trap Heat
  Energy and Maintain Earths Temperature Range.

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The Greenhouse Effect

• The Atmosphere Acts Like An Insulating Blanket
• The Gases Act Like The Glass In A Greenhouse
• Without Them Earth Would Be 30o Celsius Cooler

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Effect of Latitude on Climate

• Key Concept
• As a Result of Differences in Latitude Thus
  The Angle of Heating. Earth Has Three (3) Main
  Climate Zones
• Polar
• Temperate
• Tropical

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Effect of Latitude on Climate
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Effect of Latitude on Climate
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Effect of Latitude on Climate

• Tropic Zone
• 23.5o North South of the Equator
• Receives Nearly Direct Sunlight
• Climate Mostly Warm

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Effect of Latitude on Climate

• Temperate Zones
• Seasonal Hot Cold
• Tilt of Earth Angle of Sunlight
• Between Polar Tropic Zones

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Effect of Latitude on Climate

• Polar Zones
• Suns Rays Strike At Low Angle
• Located At Each Pole Between 66.5o 90o North
  South Latitudes

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Heat Transport in the Biosphere

• Unequal Heating Drives
• Winds
• Ocean Currents
• These Forces Transport Heat Through The Biosphere
• Hot Rises
• Cold Descends

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Heat Transport in the Biosphere
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Heat Transport in the Biosphere
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Ocean Conveyor
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Heat Transport in the Biosphere

• Land Mass Topography Affects Currents By
  Disrupting The Flow of Current, and Therefore,
  The Distribution of Heat.

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Heat Transport in the Biosphere
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