Chapter 7 biomes large terrestrial regions characterized by similar climate, soil, plants, and animals, regardless of where they are found in the world. climate an area?s general pattern of atmospheric or weather conditions measured over long periods of time ranging from decades to thousands of years. currents Prevailing winds blowing over the oceans produce mass movements of surface water called currents. desert In a desert, annual precipitation is low and often scattered unevenly throughout the year. During the day, the baking sun warms the ground and causes evaporation of moisture from plant leaves and soil. But at night, most of the heat stored in the ground radiates quickly into the atmosphere. forest systems are lands dominated by trees. grasslands