Land Cover and Climate
Both weather and climate are the result of the interaction of several Earth systems:
•
the movement of moisture in the water cycle that evaporates ocean water into the
air where it condenses into travelling clouds or storms that eventually cause rain or
snow;
•
•
Causes of Climate:
The Earth’s climate is a ___________ powered system. Globally, over the course of the
year, the Earth system—land surfaces, ___________ , and atmosphere—__________solar
power/energy. The absorbed sunlight drives______________, fuels evaporation, melts
snow and ice, and ___________the Earth system.
The Earth’s Heat Engine =
The Earth’s Energy Budget =
Sun’s Energy Distribution:
Percentage of Energy
Solar Energy Movement
At the top of the atmosphere is reflected back to space by clouds,
atmospheric particles, or bright ground surfaces like sea ice and snow
23%
48%
71%
Total incoming solar energy is absorbed by the Earth system
Climate and Ocean Currents - Great Ocean Conveyor Belt:
The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt is
Climate – Wind and Precipitation
Diagram of _________________