Page 314 - Geosystems An Introduction to Physical Geography 4th Canadian Edition

Earth’s climate system is the result of interactions among several components. These include the input and transfer of energy from the Sun (GIA 10.1 and 10.2); the resulting changes in atmospheric temperature and pressure (GIA 10.3 and 10.4); the movements and interactions of air masses
(GIA 10.5); and the transfer of water—as vapour, liquid, or solid— throughout the system (GIA 10.6).
10.1 INSOLATION
Incoming solar radiation is the energy input for the climate system. Insolation varies by latitude, as well as on a daily and seasonal basis with changing day length and Sun angle. (Chapter 2; review Figures 2.8, 2.10, and GIA 2)
Sun’s rays
North Cape Midnight Sun, Nordkapp, Norway [marcokenya/Shutterstock]
10.2 EARTH’S ENERGY BALANCE
The imbalance created by energy surpluses at the equator and energy deficits at the poles causes the global circulation patterns of winds and ocean currents that drive weather systems. (Chapter 4; review Figure 4.10)
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geosystems in action 10 Earth’s ClimatE systEm
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Nor th Pole
High latitude Infer: What is the general pattern energy deficits of energy flow in the atmosphere?
70°
60°
50°
40° 30° 20°
10.3
of energy surplus
Explain your answer.
170° 1P6o0l°ew15a0r°d140° 130° 120° transport
Runoff
20° 10°
0° 10°
Equatorial and tropical energy surplus
TEMPERATURE 0° Primary temperature controls are
latitude, elevation, cloud cover, and 10° land–water heating differences. The pattern of world temperatures is
affected by global winds, ocean currents, and air masses. (Chapter 5; review Figures 5.12 through 5.15)
60°
Visit the Study Area in MasteringGeographyTM to explore Earth’s climate system.
10°
THERMAL EQUATOR
60°
70°
20° 30° 40° 50°
Visualize: Study a NASA video of modelling Earth’s Assess: Demonstrate understanding of Earth’s climate. climate system (if assigned by instructor).
JANUARY
Cloud formation
Evaporation Transpiration
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