Chapter 3 Vocabulary

A periodic reversal of the pattern of ocean currents and water temperatures in the mid-pacific.

An imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth

June 21 or Dec.22 on which the sun’s rays strike directly on the Tropic of Cancer or Capricorn begins summer or winter

Condition of the atmosphere in one place during a short period of time.

An inland grassland area

Being in or facing the direction toward which the wind is blowing

Being in or facing the direction from which the wind is blowing.

Forest with both coniferous and deciduous trees

Permanently frozen layer of soil beneath the surface of the ground

Falling off or shed seasonally or periodically; trees such as oak and maple, which lose their leaves in autumn

Weather patterns typical for an area over a long period of time.

One of two days ( March 21 and September 23) on which the sun is directly above the Equator.

Major type of ecological community defined primarily by distinctive plant and animal groups

Wind in a region that blows in a fairly constant directional pattern

Result of a process by which dry areas develop on the leeward sides of mountain ranges

The resulting deflection of prevailing winds caused by Earth’s rotation

The average of the daily high temperature and overnight low; often used for comparison across climate regions

The capacity of certain gases in the atmosphere to trap heat

Continuous daylight, the sun is visible at midnight

A frequently windless area near the equator

Small area in a desert where water and vegetation are found

Referring to vegetation having cones and needle-shaped leaves,including many evergreens, that keep their foliage

Plant life that grows in a certain area if people have not changed the natural environment

Cold or warm stream of seawater that flows in the ocean

Earth’s yearly trip around the sun, taking 365 1/4 days