Chapter 2 Vocabulary

The condition of the bottom layer of the Earth's atmosphere in one place over a short period of time.

• weather

• climate

• front

• precipitation

The term used for the weather patterns that an area typically experiences over a long period of time.

• weather

• climate

• front

• precipitation

The spinning motion of the Earth on it's axis as it travels through space.

• equinox

• solstice

• rotation

• revolution

One complete orbit of the Earth around the Sun.

• equinox

• solstice

• rotation

• revolution

Either of the two times a year when the sun appears directly overheat at the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

• solstice

• equinox

• front

• revolution

Either of the two times each year (spring and fall) when day and night are of nearly equal length everywhere on Earth.

• solstice

• equinox

• rotation

• revolution

All the forms of water that fall to Earth from the atmosphere, including rain and snow.

• weather

• climate

• precipitation

• front

The boundary between two masses of air that differ in density or temperature.

• solstice

• climate

• weather

• Front

The type of climate found in the great central areas of continents in the Northern Hemisphere; characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm or hot summers.

• weather

• front

• climate

• continental climate

The interaction of plant life, animal life, and the physical environment in which they live.

• ecosystem

• climate

• biome

• continental climate