MSC 316 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Westerlies, Subtropics, Water Potential

• School: University of Miami
• Department: Marine Science
• Course: MSC 316
• Professor: Gary Hitchcock

Document Summary

Terrestrial biomes: largest categorical areas, biomes are distinguished primarily by their dominant plants and particular climates, geographic and season variations in temperature and precipitation determine where plants occur, physical aspects as well as topography. Winds: controls on temperature and precipitation, trade winds to left, westerlies to right, easterlies to left, creates hadley cells. Polar zones = dry: rising (warm) air creates rainfall. Intertropical convergence zone: a dynamic force, moves annually n and s with changing seasons, covers equator and additional rainforest portions essentially where humidity covers. Climate and biomass: temperature and precipitation are major determinants of global plant composition, productivity. Most occur within 10 degrees latitude of equator. Amazon brazil, peru, rest of northern/central south america. West and central africa congo, etc. 25% of world"s terrestrial biomass and net primary production. Rain rapidly erodes soil nutrients so the soil here can be poor. 12% of global land area: 17 million km2. Harbors many important goods: water balance in trees.