IMPACTS OF GLOBAL AND LOCAL IMPACTS OF GLOBAL AND LOCAL FACTORS ON VEGETATIONFACTORS ON VEGETATION

Temperature – a global factor• This is the main factor affecting plant growth. It decreases as

you move away from the equator.

• In the tropics, rays are high in the sky for the whole year and so are concentrated on a smaller area. This provides a lot of heat and light so plants grow very well and there is general dense vegetation.

• In the poles, suns rays are less concentrated and are spread over a wider area meaning lack of heat and light so less plant growth.

Precipitation – a global factorPrecipitation – a global factor• The amount of water will of course also affect what

can grow. Precipitation is more likely in places where air masses converge and air rises. The two largest areas of year round rain are the equator and mid latitudes where there are lots of forests as a lot can grow.

• In polar and desert areas air masses do not meet so there is little rainfall.

Distance from the sea – a local factor

• The sea cools nearby land in the hot season and warms it during the cold season. This reduces annual temperature range and increases rainfall.

• Away from the sea, land heats up quickly in the hot season and cools quickly in the cold season making large temperature extremes and not much rain.

Altitude – a local factorAltitude – a local factorFew plants will grow at high altitude due to low temperatures and poor soil. Temperatures drop 1 degree for every 100m altitude. Kilimanjaro is covered in snow despite being at the hot equator.

Other local factors • Geology• Drainage • Water supplyN• Nutrient availability.

Climate graph taskClimate graph taskWhat’s wrong with this graph?What’s wrong with this graph?