The eight climographs show yearly temperature (line graph and left vertical axis) and precipitation (bar graph and right vertical axis) averages for each month for some locations on Earth
What would be the primary factor, other than precipitation or temperature, that could change the description of a site near location 3 from an equatorial (tropical) climate to alpine tundra?
a. elevation
b. ocean currents
c. soil type
d. rain shadow
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
a. elevation
Explanation:
The primary factor that could change the description of a site near location 3 from an equatorial (tropical) climate to alpine tundra is elevation. Here’s why:
- Elevation and Climate: Elevation plays a significant role in determining a location’s climate. As elevation increases, the air becomes thinner and cooler, leading to a drop in temperature. For example, at high altitudes, the temperature can significantly decrease even in regions that are typically tropical or equatorial at lower altitudes. This is because the higher you go, the less atmosphere there is to trap heat. On mountains, this can result in alpine climates at high elevations, even though the base of the mountain may be in a tropical or equatorial zone.
- Tropical vs Alpine Tundra: Tropical climates near the equator are characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with abundant precipitation. However, at higher elevations, typically above the treeline, the climate changes. In alpine tundra zones, temperatures drop, and vegetation becomes sparse or nonexistent due to the cold and extreme conditions. The tropical climate would be significantly altered at higher elevations, which is why this is the key factor in transforming the environment to an alpine tundra.
Why Not Other Options?
- b. Ocean currents: While ocean currents influence temperature and precipitation patterns along coastal areas, their effect is not as drastic on high-altitude mountainous regions. Ocean currents mainly affect sea temperatures and coastal climates, not the shift from tropical to alpine climates.
- c. Soil type: Soil type influences plant growth and ecosystems but does not directly alter the temperature or precipitation patterns to change a tropical climate into an alpine tundra.
- d. Rain shadow: A rain shadow occurs when mountains block moist air, leading to dry conditions on the leeward side. This can influence precipitation patterns but would not be a primary factor in changing the overall temperature profile from tropical to alpine.
Thus, elevation is the primary factor that causes a shift in climate from tropical to alpine tundra.