11:216:351 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Ocean Current, Northern Hemisphere, Atmospheric Circulation
22 Sep 2019
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Document Summary
Climate one of the most fundamental components of physical environment. Atmospheric and oceanic circulation from differential solar radiation and the rotation of the earth. Global climatic patterns the result of circulation patterns. Regional climate result from the influences of oceans, continents, mountains, vegetation. Climatic variation over time changes in earth"s position relative to the sun. Chemical environment salinity, acidity, oxygen and more. Climate: long-term description of weather, based on averages and variation measured over decades. Climate especially temperature and water controls where and how organisms live. The sun is the ultimate source of energy that drives the global climate system. Energy gains from solar radiation must be offset by energy losses if earth"s temperature is to remain the same. Winds and ocean currents result from differences in solar radiation across earth"s surface. Tropical regions receive the most solar radiation and the most precipitation.
