The World's Ecosystem's Flashcards
(9 cards)
What happens to temperature when latitude increases
Temperature decreases.
- Sun’s rays are most concentrated on the equator
- The curvature of the earth means that the rays cover a greater area at greater latitudes
Why does it rain a lot at the equator
- High surface temperatures power a convection cell of rising air
- As air rises it cools and condenses - creates lots of rainfall
Why are temperatures high but precipitation low at the tropics
- when air from the equator can’t rise anymore, it is pushed N/S
- cooled air falls and warms over the tropics (creating high pressure zones of clear skies)
- this means low rainfall, but high temp
What process creates seasons, and where is it most effective
Axial Tilt
- as the earth is tilted (at about 23.5 degrees) different parts of the earth receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year
- the poles experience this the most (as they experience the largest change in amount of sunlight) and the equator experiences it the least
What happens to the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone throughout the year
In Summer - shifts north (following the overhead sun) to bring a wet season to the tropical grasslands of the northern hemisphere
In Winter - tropical grasslands are dry in winter when ITCZ has moved to the northern hemisphere
How does temperature change in the interior of continents vs at the coast
- Temperatures of locations closer to the coast are moderated by the sea
- Interiors of continents have more extreme temperatures throughout the year
How do mountains affect rainfall
- high mountains force air to rise (and cool) as it passes over them
- this causes high precipitation on the side of the prevailing wind
- when the air has passed over the mountains it has lost its moisture
- this is called a rain shadow effect (causes arid regions)
Characteristics of a Tropical Rainforest
Temp: 27-30°C
Precipitation: 2000-3000mm
Plants: broadleaved plants, dominated by trees
Characteristics of Tropical Grassland
