Chapter 3 Vocabulary

An inland grassland area

Small area in a desert where water and vegetation are found

Continuous daylight, the sun is visible at midnight

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

Forest with both coniferous and deciduous trees

An imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth

Permanently frozen layer of soil beneath the surface of the ground

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cold or warm stream of seawater that flows in the ocean

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A frequently windless area near the equator

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