Study Guide Chapter 8

1. Explain the difference between climate and weather.2.   Describe the two atmospheric elements used in

determining the Koppen classification system. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Koppen system.

3.   According to the Koppen classification system describe a “A”, “B”"C", “D”, “E”, and “H” climate

4.   Describe the function of a climograph.5.   Using a climograph identify the name of the area, the

Koppen classification, latitude, longitude, average temperature for one year, average temperature for each month in degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit, precipitation for each month in inches and centimeters.

6.   Distinguish between empirical and genetic classification.

Study Guide Continued

7. What five items affect climate? Briefly explain each item.

8.   Explain what the greenhouse effect is. What gases are involved. What is the most important greenhouse gas. 9. What are some possible effects of the global warming.

10. What is the difference between the greenhouse effect and global warming?

Weather are short term measurements taken for a specific time and specific area.Climate is a collection of weather data for a long period of time.

Causes of Climate Change

a. Astronomical variation in the earth’s orbit-Milankovitch’s predictions-glacial cycles

b. Eccentricity cycle-ellipse to circular (100,000 year cycle) shape of orbit

c. Obliquity cycle-tilt varies-41,000 yeard. Precession cycle-time of perihelion 21,000

years

Fig. 8-19, p. 222

Fig. 8-19b, p. 222

Changes in climate

Changes in output of solar energy or transparency of outer space-11 year sunspot cycle

Causes of climate change

• Humans

• Natural changes- volcano

Causes of climate change

• Changes in ocean-salinity, hot, cold water-glaciers

• Changes in landmasses-continents in polar region- more glaciers-

Fig. 8-15, p. 216

Koppen classification

• E=Polar

• B=dry,arid, semiarid

• C= Humid Mesothermal (mild winter)

• D=Humid Microthermal (severe winter) _

• A=Humid tropical climates

• H=Highlands

The Koppen classification system precipitation and temperature.

Pg. 230 E and B climate

Fig. 8-CO, p. 204

E=Polar

Fig. 9-18, p. 252

Arid/SemiaridB

Fig. 9-14

Fig. 9-15b, p. 249

Fig. 9-20b, p. 253

pg. 231C and D climate

Fig. 10-3, p. 261

C= Mild winter

Fig. 10.1Fig 10.1Fig. 10.1

Climograph

Fig. 10-19, p. 274

D=Severe winter

Fig. 10-11b, p. 266

Fig. 10-16

Pg. 231 A climate

Fig. 9-CO, p. 234

A=Tropical

Fig. 9-5

Fig. 9-3b, p. 239

Fig. 9-8a, p. 243

Fig. 9-9a, p. 244

Am- Tropical monsoon

Fig. 9-10a, p. 245

Fig. 9-13, p. 246

Aw- Tropical Savannah

Fig. 8-14, p. 215

HighlandsH

Every Temp <10 CYes E

Yearly

Precip. <89 cm. Yes B

No

No

Every Temp>18 C

Yes

A

Koppen Classification

Continued nextpage

No

Koppen Classification

One Temp<-3 C Yes D

No

C

B climate

• Greenhouse effect is a natural phenomena on earth. Global warming is the belief that human activities are influencing global climate.

• Determine if you need to use even distribution, summer concentration, or winter concentration graph. (Graph 1)

• Summer concentration- 70% of precipitation occurs from April-September

• Winter concentration- 70% of rain occurs from October-March.

• Even distribution- Does not fit summer or winter concentration

The Koppen system classifies based on three letters. Each letter indicates certain precipitation and temperature values. First letter flow chartSecond and third Appendix.