Temperate regions science activity

This science game will help children learn and review knowledge about temperate regions of the world; and in particular, they will learn about the climate in these regions. Begin by reading all about the tropics below before playing the game.

Climate in Temperate Regions
There are two types of climate in temperate regions: continental and Mediterranean. The Mediterranean climate is typically warmer and dryer and is typical of cities like Rome, Cape Town and Santiago. The HemiBoreal climate is located in the northern part of the temperate region. It has severe winters and cold temperatures. Hot summers are common in cities like Chicago and Beijing, which have cold winters. Let's find out more about temperate regions.
Climate
Temperate regions have a highly variable climate with high and low temperatures. These regions require trees to be adapted for freezing temperatures. They may freeze in some areas from late fall through early spring. The frost period is shorter at higher elevations or on continents. Trees in temperate areas have two distinct seasons. They are fall and summer. The presence of snow can affect tree growth in temperate areas.
The soil types found in temperate areas range from alfisols up the highlands to the south and south, with ultisols at the bottom. Alluvium flows along rivers to form entisols. In areas with high elevations and lower latitudes, spodosols or mollisols are formed. A mixture of both is typical for soils in warm temperate regions.
The area between the Arctic Circle (and the Tropic of Cancer) is the northern temperate zone. The Tropic of Capricorn is the Antarctic Circle. These regions have temperatures ranging between 6 and 10 degrees Celsius with only a few degrees of variation in the coast. Similar patterns can be seen in the coastal region of southwestern New Zealand. The average summer temperature is twenty degrees Celsius, while the average fall temperature is between five and ten. These regions can see rainfall as high as 850 cm.
Forests are most likely to grow in temperate zones where there is enough precipitation to retain soil moisture. Extended periods of drought can have a direct impact on tree species and increase fire risk. Climate warming scenarios predict an increase in wildfire activity. Biogeographic shifts could also weaken the resilience of fire-prone forest around the globe. What does the future hold in temperate regions? While there is no one, perfect climate anywhere on the planet, there are many variables to consider.
Biota
The world's 100 million hectares are covered by temperate forests. These forests are the most productive, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 18 degrees Celsius in coldest months of the year. These regions are home to many tree species, including broadleaf evergreens as well as deciduous trees. They can also be classified according to their temperature and humidity. Although many efforts have been made to classify forest areas around the globe, no definitive classification has been made.
The biosphere, despite its name, is not evenly distributed around the globe. The northern hemisphere has more land, but the southern hemisphere's temperate forests do not have the same extent as the northern. These forests are restricted to a few areas in western South America, southeastern Australia and northern New Zealand. These areas are susceptible to climatic changes because of the high ratio between ocean and land mass.
There are four seasons in the temperate climate zone. Small animals keep their winter food in the ground, or in hollow tree trunks. Larger mammals consume more to increase their weight for hibernation. These forests are where birds migrate to warmer areas. They are not the only animals that migrate to temperate areas. Each biotope is unique to the tropics, the Northern Hemisphere and the American Southwest.
Sonoran Desert, and subarctic regions are characterised by thorn scrubs and grasslands which transition to tropical deciduous forests in the south. These biomes are a result of their ancestral biomes in the tropical biomes. Their examples are documented in the species books. The Earth Observatory Mission website has more information. This website contains detailed descriptions of each biome as well as climate statistics.
Climate variability
Climate refers to the average weather conditions over the long term. There are many time scales that can affect climate. El Nino-Southern Oscillation ENSO is the largest contributor to year-to-year variation in temperate regions. It affects the oceans' temperature. Climate changes are also caused by large increases in greenhouse gasses, which are responsible to a global warming trend. While rising temperatures are a clear indicator of climate change, increased rainfall may not be as evident and could be due to greater natural variability.
This natural variability can be largely predicted, but it doesn't explain extreme weather events. The short-term temperature variations can be attributed to other factors such as changing solar activity. For example, the South American Oscillation is responsible for some of the temperature variations in the southern hemisphere.
Both the groundwater as well as the surface water are affected by climate variability. This topic is particularly relevant because of the increased frequency of flooding and drought in temperate areas. These extreme climatic conditions will have an impact on the instantaneous groundwater flows system. This will alter the interactions between groundwater and surface water. Temperate forests are at risk from more frequent droughts. It is important to understand the effects of climate variability on land-based power systems.
It has been long recognized that climate variation can have a significant impact on the human condition. This variation is crucial for adaptation and mitigation efforts. Recent observations have greatly improved our understanding of climate variability. For example, the TOGA program clarified the mechanisms behind El Nino/Southern Oscillation, and expanded the capability of climate prediction. This has opened up a new era in climate science. You can also monitor it and take part!
Plants
Although most of the land area in the world falls within the tropical biome's boundaries, some areas more closely resemble the temperate region. Temperate biomes have moderate seasonal fluctuations that allow for many species of animals and plants to thrive. These biomes cover large swathes of the United States as well as large parts of Asia. These biomes include a range of landscapes including temperate forests and grasslands as well as shrublands. While tropical areas are home to many species that are unique to them, most of the world's tropical alpine biomes can be found within temperate zones.
Although the diversity of plants in temperate zones is varied, there are some common traits. These regions are home to the majority of tropical alpine and Mt. Kinabalu species are found elsewhere. The Andes' alpine species transition to other habitats. The western Peruvian Andes is one of the most diverse areas for alpine animals and plants.
The types of vegetation that can grow in the temperate climate will depend on what it is. The climate is an important aspect of soil development. However, plants have different influences on these processes. Climate and soil are key factors in determining which species of plants and animals will thrive in these areas.
Temperate regions also have distinct seasons. The ocean tempers coastal areas and can support tropical vegetation and plants. Frost can affect certain vegetables and reduce pest numbers, although true winters are rare. Although tropical areas are less predictable than temperate zones, they can still be redeemed year round by regular rainfall. In true winter, plants go dormant. Temperate climates are generally stable so some variations can impact the quality of your garden crops.
Animals
The world's temperate zone is located between the Arctic Circle, Tropic Of Cancer and Tropic Capricorn in the Northern Hemisphere and the Tropic Of Capricorn and Antarctic Circle respectively in the Southern Hemisphere. This region is home to many animals and plants that are adapted to winter conditions. Many migrate to warmer climates during winter. Some have developed thick fur and insulating fat to adapt to the cold. Some hibernate to feel like they are sleeping.
Many animals are found in temperate forests, many of which are nocturnal. Deer, woodpeckers and insects are some of the species that can be found in temperate forest. The understory of trees is where deer feed, while ants and other insects live. Temperate ecosystems can also support termites and butterflies. These species are only inhabited by large predators, the black bear.
The climates in temperate regions of the world are generally milder than the ones in the north hemisphere. Temperate climates are more hot than tropical ones. This may make them more resistant to pests and diseases. Temperate forests are home to many species, including insects and reptiles, because they have moderate temperatures. Some species migrate, while others are found in forests elsewhere.
Many endemic species are found in the temperate forests region. There are three levels of temperate forests: shrubs, forest floor, and hardwood. Many conifers and pins can be found in the northern temperate zone. The temperate zone extends into taiga, and also includes northern continental polar regions. The temperate zone also contains a few tropical species.