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 orbitMilankovitch’s predictions-glacial cycles
b. Eccentricity cycle-ellipse to circular
(100,000 year cycle) shape of orbit
c. Obliquity cycle-tilt varies-41,000 year
d. 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
E=Polar
Fig. 8-CO, p. 204
Arid/Semiarid
B
Fig. 9-18, p. 252
Fig. 9-14
Fig. 9-15b, p. 249
Fig. 9-20b, p. 253
pg. 231
C and D climate
C= Mild winter
Fig. 10-3, p. 261
Fig.Fig
10.110.1
Fig. 10.1
Climograph
D=Severe winter
Fig. 10-19, p. 274
Fig. 10-11b, p. 266
Fig. 10-16
Pg. 231
A climate
A=Tropical
Fig. 9-CO, p. 234
Fig. 9-5
Fig. 9-3b, p. 239
Fig. 9-8a, p. 243
Am- Tropical monsoon
Fig. 9-9a, p. 244
Fig. 9-10a, p. 245
Aw- Tropical Savannah
Fig. 9-13, p. 246
Highlands
H
Fig. 8-14, p. 215
Koppen Classification
Every Temp <10 C
E
Yes
No
Yearly
Precip. <89 cm.
Yes
B
No
A
Every Temp>18 C
Yes
Continued next
page
Koppen Classification
No
One Temp
<-3 C
No
C
Yes
D
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.
The Koppen system classifies
based on three letters. Each
letter indicates certain
precipitation and temperature
values.
First letter flow chart
Second and third Appendix.