Physical Geography

Climate vs. WeatherWhat is Climate?

Climate is the condition of the atmosphere over a long period of time.

Or… The general pattern of weather of a region

Climate vs. WeatherThree characteristics of climate are:

A. TemperatureB. Precipitation- rain, snow or hail/sleetC. Seasons

Climate vs. WeatherFour factors or elements that affect climate are:

A. Latitude- how far away from the equatorB. Wind CurrentsC. Proximity to Water- how close to a large body

of waterD. Elevation- how high above sea level

Climate vs. WeatherWind Currents

Wind and ocean currents distribute the sun’s heat through convection, the transfer of heat in the atmosphere through upward motion of the air.

Climate vs. WeatherProximity to Water

Areas near the ocean have a milder winter and a cooler summer.Ocean currents are like rivers in the ocean. Warm water flows away from the equator and cold water flows toward the equator.

Climate vs. WeatherElevation

Elevation influences temperature. As you go up in elevation the temperature becomes colder because the atmosphere is thinner. Areas with very high elevations can have vegetation similar to the arctic.

Climate vs. WeatherClimate Zones

Low Latitudes - Tropical Wet and Tropical Wet and Dry.Middle Latitudes - Mediterranean, Humid Subtropical, Humid Continental, Marine West Coast.High Latitudes - Subarctic, Tundra, IcecapVaries - Semiarid, Arid, Highland

Climate vs. Weather

Climate vs. WeatherRain Shadow

A result of mountains (elevation)One side of a mountain gets all of the rain while the other side does not (usually a desert)

MonsoonsMonsoons are wind patterns in South and Southeast Asia.Summer Monsoon - The wind blows from the southwest, bringing moist ocean air that causes rain.Winter Monsoon - The wind blows from the northeast, bringing dry air.

Unique Weather

How Does the Environment Impact People?• The climate impacts where people can live.

People have a difficult time living in places where…• The climate is too hot• The climate is too cold• There is no water

Population density map of Africa

Population densitymap of Finland

Population density map of China

How Does the Environment Impact People?

HousingPeople build housing based on available materials

How Does the Environment Impact People?

AgricultureArable land- land that is suitable for growing cropsClimate- certain crops will only grow in certain climatesTopography- its easier to grow crops on flat land than on a mountain side

How do people impact the environment?

WaterPollutionIrrigation- can cause shrinkage of water reservoirs or lakes

Can also cause crops to be grown in areas they would not normallyDams- decrease the flow of water down rivers and flood areas not prone to flooding

Can also keep flooding from happening which prevents fertile soil from being deposited on farmland (Egypt, Nile River and Aswan High Dam

The Aral Sea

Hoover Dam

How do people impact the environment?

Deforestation- Cutting down forest quicker than trees can regrow (not replanting)Desertification- Land near a desert becoming a part of the desert itself

Caused by overgrazing, poor irrigation procedures and over- farming

How do people impact the environment?

Air Pollution- releasing burnt fossil fuel into the airCan cause acid rain

Water PollutionDumping chemicals into water ways

Nuclear PollutionLeaked radiation

Usually from a nuclear reactor accidentChernobyl

How do people use technology to adapt to their environment?

Air ConditioningBecame widely used in mid 1900sHas allowed people to live in areas that would normally be “too hot”Allowed major US cities to develop such as, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Houston

How do people use technology to adapt to their environment?

AgricultureLarge equipment has allowed a larger area to be farmed by less workersChemical fertilizers help to grow larger crops

How do people use technology to adapt to their environment?

TransportationAllowed for the creation of suburbs

Has caused changes to the physical environmentDraining of the everglades and other swamp land

How do people use technology to adapt to their environment?

Energy UseDifferent types of energy production allows people to be able to have power in more areas

Possible Short-Answer Questions

What are some ways that technology has helped people to live in harsher environments?How can the environment of a region impact people?How have people impacted the environment?What is the different between climate and weatherWhat impact do Monsoons have on India?