Climates of Earth

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Climate Noun

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[klahy-mit]

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Climate

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The average weather conditions, including temperature and rainfall, in a specific region over a long period of time.

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Example: The image shows Earth's climate zones, highlighting the number of seasons in each region, explaining climate as average weather conditions over time.

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Weather Noun

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[weth-er]

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Weather

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The condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, including factors like temperature, wind, and precipitation.

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Example: The image shows clouds and raindrops, illustrating weather conditions like precipitation.

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Latitude Noun

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[lat-i-tood]

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Latitude

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The distance of a location north or south of the equator, which is a primary factor in determining climate.

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Example: Sunlight hits Earth at different angles, showing latitude's effect on climate.

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Solar Energy Noun

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[soh-ler en-er-jee]

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Solar Energy

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Radiant energy emitted by the Sun, which is the most significant factor influencing Earth's various climates and weather patterns.

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Example: Solar energy from the Sun reaches Earth, influencing climate and weather patterns.

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Tropics Noun

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[trop-iks]

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Tropics

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The climate zone near the equator that receives direct sunlight at a high angle, resulting in consistently warm temperatures.

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Example: The image shows the tropical zone around the equator, highlighting where the climate is consistently warm.

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Temperate Zone Noun

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[tem-per-it zohn]

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Temperate Zone

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The climate zone between the tropics and polar regions, generally characterized by having four distinct seasons with varied temperatures.

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Example: The image shows the temperate zone with four seasons, illustrating its position between the tropics and polar regions.

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Polar Zone Noun

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[poh-ler zohn]

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Polar Zone

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The cold climate zones at the highest latitudes that receive the least direct solar energy, resulting in frigid temperatures.

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Example: A map showing Antarctica in the polar zone, illustrating its cold climate and surrounding oceans.

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Albedo Noun

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[al-bee-doh]

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Albedo

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The measure of how much solar energy is reflected by a surface, with lighter surfaces like ice having high albedo.

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Example: The image shows how snow reflects more sunlight than asphalt, demonstrating albedo differences.

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Sea Ice Noun

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[see ahys]

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Sea Ice

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Ice that forms from the freezing of ocean water, which plays a critical role in regulating polar climates.

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Example: The image shows sea ice concentration in the Arctic, illustrating its role in polar climate regulation.

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Ecosystem Noun

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[ee-koh-sis-tuhm]

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Ecosystem

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A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment, functioning together as a single, complex system.

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Example: An ecosystem includes plants, animals, and their environment interacting as a system.