Climate, Weather, and Geography

The greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space and thereby warming the Earth.

Vernal pools, also called vernal ponds or ephemeral pools, are seasonal pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals. 

A  vernal pool basin will experience inundation from rain/precipitation, followed by desiccation from evapotranspiration. These conditions are commonly associated with a Mediterranean climate. Most pools are dry for at least part of the year and fill with the winter rains, spring snowmelts, and rising water tables. Some pools may remain at least partially filled with water over the course of a year or more, but all vernal pools dry up periodically.

The state of atmosphere over an area at any point of time is known as weather. It is the state of the atmosphere over short periods of time. Weather can change from hour to hour, day to day, month to month or even year to year.

Following are the major elements of weather: -

1. Temperature
2. Pressure
3. Humidity
4. Precipitation
5. Wind

Cover of clouds in portion of the sky visible from the observation point is known as cloud cover. Weather observer or meteorologists estimates the amount of cloud cover in sky. Cloud cover is an important factor which decides the weather of an area. The amount of cloud cover in the sky is measured in units called oktas or eight for meteorological purposes. Each okta represents one eighth of the sky covered by cloud.

Deserts in the 20-30 degree latitude range on the western sides of continents are primarily caused by persistent high-pressure systems and off-shore trade winds, which prevent moisture from reaching these areas.

South Africa has a Mediterranean climate.

Hail is a small ball of ice in the atmosphere, especially at night. It is a result of precipitation. It is produced by intense thunderstorms when snow and rain coexists. As the snowflakes fall, liquid water freezes onto them. It forms ice pellets that continue to grow as more droplets accumulate. When the ball of ice becomes so large and heavy, they fall as hailstones.

Cirrus, cumulus, and stratus are the types of cloud. Cirrus clouds are very thin and white in colour. They are formed of ice crystals and give a feathery appearance. They are the highest clouds. Cumulus clouds are generally dense and with sharp outlines, developing vertically in the form of rising mounds, domes or towers, of which the bulging upper parts often resemble a cauliflower. Stratus clouds resemble fog and made up of almost equal layers. Occasionally, they are broken into patches separated by blue sky by the incoming wind. Stratus clouds are grey in colour. 

The particles of condensed moisture held in suspension close to the surface of the earth are known as mist. They form at lower density as compared to fog. Their visibility is more than 1,000 meters. They are quicker to dissipate. They can rapidly disappear with even slight winds. Mist is what we see when we see our breath on a cold day.

The Central Valley of Chile experiences a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by dry summers and wet, rainy winters.

The climate of South America is influenced by its vast latitudinal extent, the presence of the high Andes mountains, and the impact of prevailing winds and ocean currents (like the Humboldt Current).

Temperate grasslands are characterized by distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters, which influence the vegetation and animal life.

The Velds experience cold and dry winters because the rainfall is concentrated in the summer months, leaving the winter season relatively dry and chilly.

The Velds are in the Southern Hemisphere, while the Prairies are in the Northern Hemisphere. Because the hemispheres have opposite seasons, summer in the Velds corresponds to winter in the Prairies.