Concept explainers
The tilt of Earth on its axis produces ____________. Coastal climates are more moderate because of____________. A dry region on the side of a mountain range that faces away from the direction of prevailing winds is called a(n) ____________.
To review:
The given blank space in the statement, “the tilt of the Earth on its axis produces _________. Coastal climates are more moderate because of _______. A dry region on the side of a mountain range that faces away from the direction of prevailing winds is called a (n) _______.”
Introduction:
The Earth constantly rotates on its axis and revolves around the sun. These movements give rise to night and day and seasons. The Earth is also covered 70% in water, which provides a hospitable environment to the organisms. The Earth’s surface is covered with various features like deserts, oceans, mountains, plateaus, grasslands, ice, and forests.
Explanation of Solution
The Earth is slightly tilted on its axis at an angle of 23.5° (degrees). Thus, its distance from the sun during the revolution and its tilted axis give rise to seasons like summer, winter, spring, and autumn. The hemisphere facing the sun experiences hot summers while the one that is faced away from the sun, experiences cold winters.
The water has a high latent heat, which brings the surrounding air’s temperature to an optimum level. The countries lying close to the oceans or seas or any other water body experience relatively moderate climate due to the oceanic currents. Thus, apart from the Earth’s position to the sun, the ocean also affects its climate.
The air becomes cooler as it raises from the lower altitudes and the pressure decreases. As a result, the mountains are generally cooler than the plains as they are located at a higher altitude. The mountains also receive heavy rainfall as the rising air condenses and sheds its water before crossing the mountain. This part of the mountain is called windward side while the dry part, which does not receive rainfall and prevalent winds, is called rain shadow area.
The tilt of earth on its axis produces seasons. Coastal climates are more moderate because of ocean currents. A dry region on the side of a mountain range that faces away from the direction of prevailing winds is called a rain shadow area.
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Chapter 29 Solutions
Biology: Life on Earth
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