Climate

• Tropics- Between 23.5 degrees South latitude and 23.5 degrees North latitude

–generally warm year-round

Temperate Zones- 23.5 and 66.5 degrees North and

South latitude Temperatures in these regions are

moderate

Polar Zones- 66.5° to 90° North and South

latitude Nearly always cold

Tropical Climates

•Constant high temperatures

•600 cm of rain

•Tropical rain forests

Tropical Climates

•Tropical Wet rains year round

•Tropical wet and dry has dry winter due to continental air masses

Dry Climates• Continental Tropical air

dominates

• Precipitation is low

• Vegetation is scarce

Dry Climates• Arid- Low precipitation and

high evaporation; Vegetation is scarce

• Semi-arid- More humid than arid border between wet climates

Mild Climates• Humid Subtropical

• Marine West Coast

• Mediterranean

Mild Climates• Humid Subtropical-

Southeastern United States, warm muggy weather prevails during warmer months, dry cool conditions winter

Mild Climates• Marine West Coast-

Constant on shore flow of marine air creates mild winters and cool summers

Mild Climates• Mediterranean- Warm

summers due to lack of cool ocean currents with mild winters

Continental Climate• Warm Summer

• Cool Summer

• Subarctic

Polar climates• Less than 10 degrees

Celsius; precipitation generally low

Heat IslandsThe climate is warmer than

in surrounding rural areas –increased cloudiness more total precipitation

Orbital Effect• Climatic changes may be triggered by

changes in earth’s axis and orbit becoming more elliptical

– closer to sun, temperatures become warmer

Natural Sources of Carbon Dioxide

• Volcanoes

• Forest Fires

• Animals