World Climate

• What is the definition of weather?

  The condition of the atmosphere over a short period of time
• What is the definition of climate?

  The average conditions of the atmosphere in a region over many years
• How does latitude affect temperature?

  Areas near the equator get more direct heating, resulting in warmer temperatures
• What is the relationship between altitude and temperature?

  The further we go from the equator, the temperature drops and it gets cooler
• What do prevailing winds bring to coastal areas?

  Winds that blow from the sea often bring rain to the coast
• How does topography influence climate?

  Areas close to a body of water tend to have milder climates
• What are ocean currents?

  The continuous, predictable, directional movement of seawater
• What does a climatograph show?

  The monthly average temperature and precipitation for a particular area
• What are the characteristics of tropical climates?

  • Constant high temperatures
  • Up to 600 cm of rain each year
  • Dominated by mT air masses
• What defines dry climates?

  • Cover 30% of Earth's land
  • Influenced by cT air masses
  • Scarce vegetation
  • High temperature, low moisture
• What are the features of mild climates?

  • Small temperature difference between cold and warm months
  • Generally cooler winters
  • Generally warmer summers
• What characterizes continental climates?

  • Relatively dry
  • Hot summers and cold winters
  • Found away from bodies of water
• What are the characteristics of polar climates?

  • Constant cold temperatures
  • Low precipitation
  • Found near the poles and high elevations
• What are natural causes of climate change?

  • Ice ages due to changes in Earth's tilt/axis
  • Volcanic eruptions releasing gases and ashes
  • Variations in solar activity
• What happens during an El Niño event?

  The Eastern Pacific Ocean gets warmer while the Western Pacific gets cooler
• How does solar activity affect climate?

  Increased sunspots lead to higher temperatures
• What occurs during a La Niña event?

  The temperatures in the Eastern Pacific Ocean cool down
• Why do seasons occur?

  Seasons exist because Earth is tilted on its axis
• What happens to Earth's orbit every 100,000 years?

  Earth's orbit becomes more elliptical
• What is the effect of global warming on sea levels?

  Global warming may lead to rising sea levels
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  It is the warming of the Earth's surface due to greenhouse gases
• How does deforestation impact the atmosphere?

  It increases carbon dioxide and decreases oxygen
• What is ozone?

  A gas (O3) that exists in the stratosphere
• What is acid rain?

  Precipitation with a pH less than 7 caused by sulfur and nitrogen oxides
• What is ocean acidification?

  The process where carbon dioxide dissolves in oceans, lowering pH
• What are microclimates?

  Localized climates that differ from the regional climate
• What is the Philippines Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749)?

  • A comprehensive air quality management policy
  • Aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos