What you’ll learn13 learning objectivesChoose one objective for a focused lesson, or study the complete topic.2.4.1Climate vs. weather• Climate: atmospheric conditions over long periods (~30 years)• Weather: short-term conditionsSyllabus objective2.4.2Biome definition• Group of comparable ecosystems in similar climatic conditions• Influenced by precipitation, temperature, insolationSyllabus objective2.4.3Biome distribution determinants• Abiotic factors• Temperature and rainfall patterns determine ecosystem typeSyllabus objective2.4.4Biome categories• Freshwater, marine, forest, grassland, desert, tundra• Each has characteristic limiting factors, productivity, diversitySyllabus objective2.4.5Tricellular model• Explains atmospheric circulation• Distribution of precipitation and temperature by latitude• Three cells: Hadley, Ferrel, polarSyllabus objective2.4.6Ocean heat distribution• Oceans absorb solar radiation• Ocean currents distribute heat globallySyllabus objective2.4.7Global warming effects• Changing climates and biome shifts• General trend: poleward and higher altitude movementSyllabus objective2.4.8(HL)—Climate type patterns• Tropical (seasonal and equatorial)• Temperate (maritime and continental)• PolarSyllabus objective2.4.9(HL)—Secondary influences• Temperature/rainfall pattern may not determine biome• Human interventions, local conditions affect developmentSyllabus objective2.4.10(HL)—ENSO cycle• El Niño Southern Oscillation• Fluctuation in wind and sea surface temperatures (tropical Pacific)• El Niño and La Niña: opposite extreme statesSyllabus objective2.4.11(HL)—ENSO mechanisms• El Niño: weakened Walker circulation, decreased upwelling• La Niña: strengthened Walker circulationSyllabus objective2.4.12(HL)—Tropical cyclones• Low-pressure systems with strong winds• Hurricanes/typhoons: sustained winds > 119 km/hrSyllabus objective2.4.13(HL)—Global warming and cyclones• Rising ocean temperatures increase intensity and frequency• Warmer water and air have more energySyllabus objective
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