Unit 3 Geography Test: Study Notes

1) L Latitude -closer to Equator = warmer climate -farther from Equator = cooler climate O Ocean Currents -temperature of ocean current affects the temperature of the air that passes over it, which then affects the land W Winds and Air Masses -an air mass from the ocean = moisture = precipitation = Maritime locations -an air mass from land = dry = less precipitation = inland location E Elevation -higher elevation = colder temperatures (approx. -2oC per 1000 ft) wind R Relief -windward slope = more precipitation windward slope leeward side -leeward slope = less precipitation

N Near Water -areas far from oceans and large lakes = continental climate -areas close to coastlines (coastal locations) = Maritime climate 2) Continental Climate: -in middle of large land masses, far from oceans -large temperature range (25oC 50oC) -small level of precipitation (200 1000 mm) -far from sources of moisture Maritime Cilmate: -coastal locations -small temperature range (20oC 30oC) -high level of precipitation (1000 2500 mm) -near large bodies of water (i.e. an ocean) Mixed Climate -near lakes/mountains -mid-large temperature range -mid-high level of precipitation Whether the precipitation is seasonal or even is pretty self-explanatory: if it fluctuates a lot, then it is seasonal; if it is fairly constant, then it is even.

3) Relief Precipitation: Stage 1) warm wet air is forced to rise over high land Stage 2) as air rises it cools and condenses; clouds form, precipitation occurs Stage 3) drier air descends + warms Stage 4) any moisture in the air (e.g. clouds) evaporates Frontal Precipitation: Stage 1) warm air meets cold air Stage 2) warm air is forced over cold air Stage 3) warm air is cooled and water vapor condenses where air masses meet Stage 4) clouds form, precipitation occurs Convectional Precipitation/Cyclonic Precipitation Stage 1) sun heats ground and warm air rises Stage 2) as air rises it cools and water vapor condenses Stage 3) large cumulonimbus clouds form Stage 4) heavy rain storms occur As always, if you need to, refer to the diagrams on page 87 of your Geography coursepack. 4) -growing season: the number of days in a year where the average temperature is higher than 5.6oC or higher -humidity: the degree of wetness or moisture in the atmosphere -average temperature: the mean temperature of a given location during an extended period of time -temperature range: the differences in temperatures for a given location which is calculated by subtracting its lowest average temperature from its highest average temperature -climate: the weather conditions of a given location for an extended period of time -weather: the atmospheric conditions of a given location for a short period of time (e.g. a day or a week). These conditions are based on eight general principles: -temperature -precipitation -wind -sunlight -humidity -cloud cover -dewpoint - pressure -the Jetstream: literally river of air; it is caused by the Earths rotation and atmospheric heating. Winds of the Jetstream can move at speeds exceeding 200 kph (twice as fast as the average speed of a car on a highway). There are two Jetstreams: the polar jet, and the subtropical jet. -air mass: a body of air extending hundreds or thousands of miles wide and generally has the same conditions of temperature and humidity at any single level -ecozone: a region of land that generally has similar biological and geological conditions (e.g. vegetation, animal life, elevation, etc.) -hurricane/tornado formation/causes: refer to coursepack p. 88 5) Do I really need to explain this? Didnt think so. You can do this one yourself.

6) Kyoto treaty is an international treaty with a goal to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and reduce CO2 emissions -Canada signed the Kyoto treaty back in 1997 (we were one of the first countries to agree to it) and pledged to reduce their CO2 emissions by 6% (0.8% higher than the suggested drop) -however, our nation dropped out of the treaty in 2011 since our industry relies too much on natural resources 7) notes should be on the Moodle/refer to your own notes...? I cant do everything, guys; I did a lot as it is for you anyways.