Geography Notes

Monday, March 24, 2008

Climates and Ecosystems- Weather and Climate

1.      Weather- The condition of the bottom layer of the Earth’s atmosphere in one place over a short period of time.

2.      Climate- Weather patterns that an area typically experiences over a long period of time.

3.      Rotation- As the earth moves through space, it spins on its axis.

4.      Revolution- One complete orbit around the sun.

5.      Solstices- These changes in season are marked by the summer and winter solstices, on or about June 21^st and December 21^st. The days when the sun appears directly overhead at the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer.

6.      Equinoxes- On these days, the sun, at noon appears directly overhead at the equator.

7.      Precipitation- All forms of water that fall from the atmosphere onto the Earth’s surface.

8.      Front- Air mass.

9.      Continental Climates- Away from the moderating influence of the oceans, the great central areas of continents in the Northern Hemisphere has what are known as continental climates.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Two Ecosystems

1. Ecosystem- Formed by the interaction of plant life, animal life, and                     the physical environment in which they live.

2. Biome- Major types of ecosystems that can be found in various regions throughout the world.

3. Deciduous- Trees that shed their leaves during on season, usually autumn.

4. Coniferous- Trees that have cones that protect their seeds.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Two Ecosystems

1.      Chaparral- Includes small evergreen trees and large bushes or scrub.

2.      Savannas- Huge tropical grasslands that grow in warm lands near the equator.

3.      Herbivores- Plant-eating animals.

4.      Carnivores- Meat-eating animals.

5.      Prairies- Temperate grasslands of North America.

6.      Tundra- Regions where temperatures are always cool or cold. Alpine tundra exists in high mountains where no trees grow.

7.      Permafrost- Soil that stays permanently frozen.