Level 67
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Climates and Ecosystems of the Planet

Climate Systems and Meteorology

An exploration of how atmospheric and oceanic circulation, from global wind belts to regional monsoons, shape the world's weather patterns and climate zones.

60-Second Review

Express review

A condensed, point-by-point summary of the module, for reviewing right before a test or exam.

  1. Atmospheric Structure and Global Circulation. The atmosphere's layered structure and pressure belts generate Earth's global wind circulation.
  2. Ocean Currents and Regional Winds. Wind-driven and thermohaline ocean currents redistribute heat and shape coastal climates worldwide.
  3. Climate Classification and the World's Climate Zones. The Koppen system classifies the world's climates from tropical rainforest to polar ice cap.
  4. Monsoons and Ocean-Atmosphere Oscillations. Seasonal monsoons and Pacific and Indian Ocean oscillations reshape global weather patterns.
  5. Storms, Extreme Weather, and Precipitation. Storms, droughts, and precipitation types drive some of the planet’s most extreme weather.
  6. Regional Climates and a Changing World. Distinct regional climates worldwide are now shifting as global warming redraws their boundaries.

This is the starting point of Climates and Ecosystems of the Planet: you don't need any prior knowledge of this subject to begin.

Key points

Visual module map

1Atmospheric Structure and Global Circulation
2Ocean Currents and Regional Winds
3Monsoons and Ocean-Atmosphere Oscillations
4Storms, Extreme Weather, and Precipitation
5Regional Climates and a Changing World

Alternative visual view: a simplified sequence of some of the module's key points, in their order within the syllabus.

Your module mastery

0% (overall measurement)
Approximate breakdown by skill
Understanding of historiographical debate0%

A rough estimate based on the key points reviewed, not an exact measurement of actual mastery.

Final test

You need to review all key points to unlock the final test.

Optional mini-games

Extra practice, with no penalty, to reinforce the module's content.

Review Flashcards

Review each key point with cards that flip to reveal the summary.

Memory

Match each concept with its definition in as few attempts as possible.

Time Attack

Answer true or false statements before time runs out.

Chronological Order

Put the module's key points back in their original order.

Further reading

Bibliography and cited sources used to create this module.

  • Ahrens, C.D. and Henson, R. (2019). Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment (11th ed.). Boston: Cengage Learning.
  • Lutgens, F.K., Tarbuck, E.J., and Tasa, D. (2021). The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology (14th ed.). New York: Pearson.
  • Köppen, W. and Geiger, R. (1936). Handbuch der Klimatologie. Berlin: Gebrüder Borntraeger.
  • Beck, H.E., Zimmermann, N.E., McVicar, T.R., Vergopolan, N., Berg, A., and Wood, E.F. (2018). "Present and future Köppen-Geiger climate classification maps at 1-km resolution." Scientific Data, 5, 180214.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "What are El Niño and La Niña?" Climate.gov. https://www.climate.gov/enso
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "The Gulf Stream." National Ocean Service. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/gulfstream.html