VCU BIOL 317 - Climate (2 pages)

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BIOL 317 1st Edition Lecture 6 Outline of Last Lecture Climate Outline of Current Lecture Climate Current Lecture Types of Climate Dr Ed s Rule of Ecology There are always exceptions For every problem in nature there are multiple solutions Extremes are more important than averages Use it or lose it For every adaptations there are advantages and disadvantages MCI statement ecological systems involve many complex and interacting factors What drives the climate Sun Global Energy balance Ein Eout if it is unbalanced the temperature will change 30 of sunlight reflected Albedo the percentage of light reflected back to space 70 of sunlight absorbed in biosphere o Energy is absorbed as heat little for plants o And that heat is let out into the atmosphere Heat must be dissipated to balance energy input energy is needed for the following o Reradiated at night o Converted to wind o Involved in evaporation o All leaves eventually in the form of terrestrial long wave radiation Intertorpical convergence major climatic heat engine on earth Ocean Currents Due to air currents Absorbed solar energy influences water current These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor s lecture GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes not as a substitute Strongly influenced by continental positions Effected by corilos effect Regional Climate Produces distinct biomes which are influenced by o atmospheric circulation o Ocean currents o Topography o Vegetation important for keeping forests Costal deserts cold ocean currents Eastern vs western Oregon Amazon basin Majority of deserts are 30 degrees north and south of Equator Temperature and precipitation are principle controls of climate Precipitation is the supply Humidity determines demand Temperature is moisture interaction Seasonal distribution of rainfall is more important than average amount of rainfall o Timing of precipitation with respect to temperature is more important than amount Maximum amount of water held