BIOL 102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Ecological Footprint, Acid Rain, Irradiance
Document Summary
Climate: the average conditions of a place measured over time. Weather: the current temperature, cloud cover, and precipitation (rain or snowfall) Temperatures are warmer in the tropics than in the arctic and antarctic. Solar irradiance: the total solar energy per square meter of land or water surface. Large amounts of irradiance = higher average temperatures. Summer solstice: north pole is tilted to the sun (longest day of the year) Winter solstice: north pole tilted away from the sun. Earth"s atmosphere: blanket of gases including water vapor and carbon dioxide surrounding. Prevents heat absorbed from the sun during the day from escaping back into space during the night. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels increased by burning fossil fuels. Urban heat island effect: tendency for cities to be 0. 5 degrees -3 degrees celsius warmer than surrounding areas. Low reflectance of asphalt and building materials contribute. Biome: a geographic area defined by its primary vegetation. Forests: terrestrial community characterized by the presence of trees.
