GEOL 1001 Chapter : Climates Glaciers Deserts GEOL 1001
Document Summary
Seasons (annual climate change) come from the 23. 5 o tilt of earth"s axis of rotation and its variation relative to orbit about the sun. Falling air masses at 30 n & s create high pressure. Solar energy evaporates water, which rises as hot, moist air. Rising air cools and expands, forming abundant rain. This air, stripped of moisture, flows to the n and s. Moist ocean winds are driven over mountains. Windward air is forced to rise, expand, and cool. Moisture condenses, becomes rain, and creates a rain forest. Leeward air, stripped of moisture, sinks and drinks. Sinking air warms, compresses, and sucks water out of land. Cool air over cold ocean water holds little moisture. This air absorbs moisture when it interacts with land. The atacama desert (peru) is the driest place on earth. Desertification aridification of nondesert areas, often due to human and natural factors. During recent ice ages, coverage expanded to ~30%.
