Key ConceptsKey Concepts

Factors influencing weather Factors influencing weather

Factors influencing climate Factors influencing climate

Effect of climate on distribution of biomes Effect of climate on distribution of biomes

Characteristics of major biome types Characteristics of major biome types

Biogeography: Climate, Biomes, and Terrestrial BiodiversityBiogeography: Climate, Biomes, and Terrestrial Biodiversity

G. Tyler Miller’sLiving in the Environment

13th Edition

Chapter 6

G. Tyler Miller’sLiving in the Environment

13th Edition

Chapter 6http://www.waverly-shellrock.k12.ia.us/srhigh/Departments/Science/APES/LivingWorldUnit_files/frame.htm

Continental ShiftContinental Shift• http://education.sdsc.edu/optiputer/flash/pangea

_4.htm

• http://www.wwnorton.com/college/geo/egeo/flash/2_1.swf

• (http://www.wwnorton.com/college/geo/egeo/flash/2_6.swf)

• http://education.sdsc.edu/optiputer/flash/plates1.htm

• http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/ess05_vid_plateintro/

Convergent Plate BoundaryConvergent Plate Boundary• Places where plates

crash or crunch together are called convergent boundaries.

• Earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountains are often associated with this type of plate boundary

• Ex) This is how the Andes formed

Divergent Plate BoundaryDivergent Plate Boundary

• Places where plates are coming apart are called divergent boundaries.

• When Earth's brittle surface layer (the lithosphere) is pulled apart, it typically breaks along parallel faults that tilt slightly outward from each other. As the plates separate along the boundary, the block between the faults cracks and drops down into the soft, plastic interior (the asthenosphere).

• The sinking of the block forms a central valley called a rift. Magma (liquid rock) seeps upward to fill the cracks. In this way, new crust is formed along the boundary. Earthquakes occur along the faults, and volcanoes form where the magma reaches the surface.

Transform Boundary (Faults)Transform Boundary (Faults)• Places where plates

slide past each other are called transform boundaries.

• The plates on either side of a transform boundary are merely sliding past each other and not tearing or crunching each other.

• Ex) San Andreas Fault

Additional LinksAdditional Links• http://education.sdsc.edu/optiputer/flash/plates

2.htm

• Ocean Floor Spreading

• World in 50 Million Years

• http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/ess05_int_tectonic/

• http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/ess05_int_boundaries/

• http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/ess05_vid_wegener1/

Weather and Climate: A Brief IntroductionWeather and Climate: A Brief Introduction• Weather – current conditions or physical properties in the

Troposphere, the lowest level of atmosphere. Include (1) temperature, (2) pressure, (3) humidity, (4) precipitation, (5) sunshine, (6) cloud cover, and (7) wind direction and speed

• Front – boundary between two air masses with different temperatures and densities

• Warm front – boundary between warm air mass advancing on cold

• Cold front – leading edge of advancing cold air mass• High & Low pressure air masses

Fig. 6-2 p. 111

Weather and Climate: A Brief Introduction cont.Weather and Climate: A Brief Introduction cont.

• Wind – always blows from high pressure to low pressure regions

• Wind - regulates global temperatures, transports nutrients; transports harmful pesticides, toxic metals, viruses, bacteria, fungi (coral reef killer), algae (red tides)

Hurricanes (Cyclones)Hurricanes (Cyclones)

Rising winds exitfrom the storm athigh altitudes.

The calm centraleye usually is about

24 kilometers(15 miles) wide.

Moist surface windsspiral in towards thecenter of the storm

Gales circle the eye at speedsof up to 320 kilometers

(200 miles) per hour.

HurricanesHurricanes Hurricanes – extreme

tropical storms that occur in Atlantic ocean. These storms are called typhoons in the Pacific ocean and cyclones in the Indian ocean.

Weather and Climate: A Brief Introduction cont.Weather and Climate: A Brief Introduction cont.

Tornadoes – occurs when there are violent updrafts and downdrafts.

http://esminfo.prenhall.com/science/geoanimations/animations/Tornadoes.html

http://access.ncsa.illinois.edu/Stories/supertwister/tornado/tubecone_popup.htm

ClimateClimate Climate – general weather

over long period of time Average Temperature Average Precipitation Regional climates are

effected by Global Air Circulation caused by: (1) uneven heating of Earth’s surface, (2) seasonal changes in T & P, (3) rotation of the Earth (coriolis effect), (4) long term variation in solar energy, and (5) Properties of air and water

Climate – general weather over long period of time

Average Temperature Average Precipitation Regional climates are

effected by Global Air Circulation caused by: (1) uneven heating of Earth’s surface, (2) seasonal changes in T & P, (3) rotation of the Earth (coriolis effect), (4) long term variation in solar energy, and (5) Properties of air and water

See Fig. 6-4 p. 124See Fig. 6-4 p. 124

Fig. 6-6p. 115

SeasonsSeasons

Fig. 6-8 p. 116

Seasonal variations affected by tilt of Earth’s axis

Long term climate variations affected by wobble of Earth’s axis (22,000 year cycle) and change in tilt ranging from 24.5º to 22.1º every 44,000 years.

Seasonal variations affected by tilt of Earth’s axis

Long term climate variations affected by wobble of Earth’s axis (22,000 year cycle) and change in tilt ranging from 24.5º to 22.1º every 44,000 years.

http://esminfo.prenhall.com/science/geoanimations/animations/01_EarthSun_E2.html

Air Circulation – Hadley CellsAir Circulation – Hadley Cells

Fig. 6-9 b & c p. 117Fig. 6-9 b & c p. 117 Fig. 6-11 p. 118Fig. 6-11 p. 118

AP Env. Sci. October 19AP Env. Sci. October 19• 1) Turn in Plate Tectonics Lab

• 2) Finish Notes on Weather

• 3) Climatograph Activity – Use Computers

• 4) Research Biomes Project

• 5) HW: Quiz on Weather and Plate Tectonics

• 6) Return test on Units 3 & 4

AP Env. Sci. October 20AP Env. Sci. October 20• 1) Turn in Plate Tectonics Lab

• 2) Finish Notes on Weather

• 3) Review Climograph Activities

• 4) Video on Biomes

• 5) HW: Quiz on Weather and Plate Tectonics

• 6) Test Corrections – Units 1 & 2 (in class only)

Short-Term Climate Changes: ENSOShort-Term Climate Changes: ENSO

Fig. 6-14 p. 119

El Nino-Southern Oscillation: 1) prevailing westerly winds weaken, 2) surface water along N. and S. American coasts becomes warmer, 3) upwellings suppressed causing sharp decline in some fish species; causes major weather changes that can impact an area for several years, 4) E. to W. currents slow and sometimes reverse to W. to E.

El Nino-Southern Oscillation: 1) prevailing westerly winds weaken, 2) surface water along N. and S. American coasts becomes warmer, 3) upwellings suppressed causing sharp decline in some fish species; causes major weather changes that can impact an area for several years, 4) E. to W. currents slow and sometimes reverse to W. to E.

La NinaLa Nina

Fig. 6-14 p. 119

La Nina: cooling counterpart to El Nino; More hurricanes, colder winters in Canada/N.E., warmer/drier winters in S.E and S.W., wetter winters in Pacific N.W., torrential rains in S.E. Asia, lower wheat yields Argentina, more wildfires Florida

.

La Nina: cooling counterpart to El Nino; More hurricanes, colder winters in Canada/N.E., warmer/drier winters in S.E and S.W., wetter winters in Pacific N.W., torrential rains in S.E. Asia, lower wheat yields Argentina, more wildfires Florida

.

1982–83 1997–98

Year

1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005

El Niño conditions

La Niña conditions

+3

+2

+1

0

-1

-2

Tem

per

atur

e/C

han

ge (

°F)

AP Env. Sci. October 21AP Env. Sci. October 21• 1) Quiz on Weather, Climate, & Atmosphere

• 2) Video on Owls

• 3) Begin Notes on Biomes

• 4) Test Corrections – Units 1 & 2 (in class only)

• 5) Tomorrow: Owl Pellet Lab

AnimationAnimation

• http://esminfo.prenhall.com/science/geoanimations/animations/26_NinoNina.html

Greenhouse EffectGreenhouse Effect

Fig. 6-17 p. 121

UV converted to IR (heat) by H2O, CO2, CH4, N2O, and CFCs; natural effect enhanced by humans. Alters precipitation patterns, shifts crop areas, raises average sea levels, shifts habitats.

UV converted to IR (heat) by H2O, CO2, CH4, N2O, and CFCs; natural effect enhanced by humans. Alters precipitation patterns, shifts crop areas, raises average sea levels, shifts habitats.

Rain Shadow EffectRain Shadow Effect

MicroclimatesMicroclimates

Fig. 6-19 p. 122Fig. 6-19 p. 122

Biomes: Climate and Life on LandBiomes: Climate and Life on Land

Relationship between latitude and altitude Relationship between latitude and altitude

Succulent plants Succulent plants

Evergreen plants Evergreen plants

Deciduous plants Deciduous plants

Coniferous plants Coniferous plants

Biomes: Latitude and AltitudeBiomes: Latitude and Altitude

Fig. 6-22 p. 124Fig. 6-22 p. 124

Refer to Fig. 6-20 p. 123Refer to Fig. 6-20 p. 123

Chapter 6Major Ecosystems of the WorldChapter 6Major Ecosystems of the World

Good Website for BiomesGood Website for Biomes

• http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/index.php

Desert Biomes Tropical deserts Temperate Deserts Cold DesertsRefer to Fig. 6-25 p. 127

Desert Biomes Tropical deserts Temperate Deserts Cold DesertsRefer to Fig. 6-25 p. 127

Grassland, Tundra, and Chaparral Biomes

Tropical grasslands Temperate grasslands Polar grasslands (Arctic

tundra) Permafrost Alpine tundra ChaparralRefer to Figs. 6-29, 6-30, and 6-32 pp.

130-133

Grassland, Tundra, and Chaparral Biomes

Tropical grasslands Temperate grasslands Polar grasslands (Arctic

tundra) Permafrost Alpine tundra ChaparralRefer to Figs. 6-29, 6-30, and 6-32 pp.

130-133

Forest Biomes Tropical rainforest Tropical deciduous forest Temperate deciduous forest Evergreen coniferous forest

(boreal forest) Temperate rain forestRefer to Figs. 6-34, 6-37, 6-38, and 6-

40 pp. 135-140

Forest Biomes Tropical rainforest Tropical deciduous forest Temperate deciduous forest Evergreen coniferous forest

(boreal forest) Temperate rain forestRefer to Figs. 6-34, 6-37, 6-38, and 6-

40 pp. 135-140

Mountain Biomes Mimic latitude Snow line Islands of biodiversity

Mountain Biomes Mimic latitude Snow line Islands of biodiversity

Overview of Chapter 6Overview of Chapter 6

• Earth’s Major Biomes– Tundra, Boreal Forests, Temperate Rainforest,

Temperate Deciduous Forests, Grasslands, Chaparral, Deserts, Savanna, & Tropical Rainforests

– Vertical Zonation

• Aquatic Ecosystems– Freshwater ecosystems– Estuaries

• Marine Ecosystems• Interaction of Life Zones and Humans

Earth’s Major BiomesEarth’s Major Biomes

• Biome– A large, relatively distinct terrestrial region with a similar

climate soil, plants, and animals, regardless of where it occurs in the world

– Nine major biomes

• Location of each biome is primarily determined by:– Temperature (varies with both latitude and elevation)– Precipitation

• Biomes can also be defined by– Winds, rapid temperature changes, fires, floods, etc.

http://daac.ornl.gov/NPP/npp_home.shtml#

Map of BiomesMap of Biomes

TundraTundra

• Treeless biome in the far north with harsh, cold winters and extremely short summers

• Precipitation– 10-25 cm/yr

• Temperature– Short growing season– 50-160 days

TundraTundra

• Nutrient poor soils with little organic material– Permafrost present

• Low species richness– Veg is mostly grasses

and sedges– Very simple food web

• Low primary productivity

Boreal Forests (Taiga)Boreal Forests (Taiga)

• A region of coniferous forests in the northern hemisphere– Just south of tundra

• Covers 11% of earth’s land• Growing Season

– A little longer than tundra

• Precipitation– ~ 50 cm/yr

Boreal Forests (Taiga)Boreal Forests (Taiga)• Soils are acidic and mineral poor• Vegetation comprised of drought resistant

conifers– White spruce– Balsam fir– Eastern larch

• Mostly small animals and migrating birds

• Some large animals are present– Wolves, bear, moose

Temperate RainforestTemperate Rainforest

• Coniferous biome with cool weather, dense fog and high precipitation– Ex: Northwest US

• Precipitation– > 127 cm/yr– Heaviest in winter

• Temperature– Winters are mild– Summers are cool

Temperate RainforestTemperate Rainforest• Soils are nutrient-poor, but high in organic material

(dropped needles)– Cool temperatures slow decomposition

• Dominant Vegetation– Large evergreen trees– Old-growth forest

• Variety of cool climate animal life• Very high species richness• Heavily logged

Temperature Deciduous ForestsTemperature Deciduous Forests

• Forest biome that occurs in temperate areas with a moderate amount of precipitation

• Precipitation– 75-150 cm/yr

• Temperature– Seasonality– Hot summers and cold

winters

Temperate Deciduous ForestTemperate Deciduous Forest

• Topsoil is rich in organic material and underlain by clay

• Vegetation is primarily deciduous– Oak, maple, beech

• Animals– Deer, bear and small animals

• Most of this biome land area has been regenerated after farming & timber harvest

GrasslandGrassland

• Grasslands with hot summers, cold winters and too little precipitation to support trees

• Precipitation– 25-75 cm/yr

• Tall grass prairies• Short grass prairies• 90% of this biome has been lost

to farmland

GrasslandGrassland• Soil has thick,

organic material rich organic horizon

• Periodic fires keep the dominant vegetation grasses

• Animals– Once covered with bison- no longer true– Smaller animals

ChaparralChaparral

• Also called a Mediterranean Climate– Ex: Southern California– Ex: Greece

• Temperature– Mild, moist winters– Hot, dry summers

• Frequent fires

ChaparralChaparral• Soil is thin and often

not fertile

• Vegetation– Dense growth of

evergreen shrubs– Lush during the

growing season

• Animals– Mule deer,

chipmunks, many species of birds

DesertsDeserts

• Biome where lack of precipitation limits plant growth

• Temperature– Can very greatly in 24-hr

period, as well as yearly (based on location)

• Precipitation– < 25 cm/yr

DesertsDeserts

• Soils low in nutrients and high in salts• Vegetation sparse

– cactus and sagebrush

• Animals are very small to regulate temperature

SavannaSavanna

• Tropical grassland with widely scattered trees

• Temperature– Varies little throughout the

year

• Precipitation– Seasons regulated by

precipitation, not temperature

– 76-150 cm/yr

SavannaSavanna• Soil low in nutrients due to leaching

• Vegetation– Wide expanses of grass– Occasional Acacia trees– Have fire adaptive

characteristics

• Animals– Herds of hoofed

animals– Large predators-

lions, hyenas, etc.

Tropical RainforestTropical Rainforest

• Lush, species-rich biome that occurs where climate is warm and moist throughout the year

• Precipitation– 200-450 cm/yr

• Very productive biome

• Most species-rich biome

Tropical RainforestTropical Rainforest

• Ancient, weathered, nutrient-poor soil– Nutrients tied up in

vegetation, not soil

• Vegetation– 3 distinct canopy layers

• Animals– Most abundant insect,

reptiles and amphibians on earth