Exam 17: Earths Changing Climate

Within the tropical wet climate (Af), seasonal temperature variations are small (normally less than 3 degrees Celsius).

In tropical wet climates, high humidity and ____________________ tend to keep maximum temperatures from reaching extremely high values.

The annual sunlight received by each latitude decreases from ____________________ latitude to ____________________ latitude.

Explain the climatic controls that make the southern and northern desert regions of North America dry.

Discuss the U.S. "Dust Bowl" of the 1930s.

What is indicated by the fact that isotherms are oriented east-west on global temperature maps?

Which of the following results from the South Pole remaining snow- and ice-covered all year long, whereas the North Pole is surrounded by ocean?

Discuss the general winter and summer precipitation patterns of polar regions.

The soil beneath the rainforest's canopy is not excellent for agriculture because as heavy rain falls on the soil, the water works its way downward, removing nutrients in a process called ____.

Over much of western Europe, prevailing westerly winds are unobstructed by high mountains, so ocean air often sweeps across the region, providing it with a ____________________ climate (Cfb).

Explain how mountains disrupt the idealized pattern of global precipitation, and how rain shadows are created.

Despite the long hours of daylight in polar regions, why are summers quite cool?

Why might you hear the remark that winter comes to the tropics at night?

Which of the following is not a major climatic type in the Köppen scheme?

The tropical wet-and-dry climate is influenced mainly by the ____.

Across much of the United States, intense winter storms develop and travel ____________________, frequently dumping heavy precipitation as they go.

The region called ____ has a semi-arid climate and typically has short bunch grass, scattered low bushes, sparse trees, or sagebrush.

When rainforests are cleared for agricultural purposes, or for the timber, what is left is a thick red soil called ____________________.

The sinking air of the subtropical highs produces a "dry belt" around the globe.

The lowest average temperatures in the world occur in ____.