Earth's natural systems 3.4 Climate patterns (factors affecting)

Question 1

Why do poles receive less solar radiation?

Answer 1

Closer to poles, rays strike at angle, spreading over larger area > less solar energy per unit area

Question 2

T or F- the circular pattern of air movement moderates global air temps

Answer 2

T

Question 3

Describe circular pattern of air movement

Answer 3

Large input of heat at Equator (vertical rays) warms air > rises, moving north and south towards poles > high latitudes, descends and cool air masses flow back to Equator as surface winds, filling void left by rising air

Question 4

What is the tilt of Earth’s axis in degrees?

Answer 4

23.5

Question 5

T or F Forces generated by Earth rotation break up general pattern of air circulation from Equator > poles

Answer 5

T- Creates 6 separate belts of moving air- 3 to north, 3 to south

Question 6

How does Earth’s revolution affect temp?

Answer 6

Earth’s revolution also affects length of day/night > longer days= more incoming solar radiation hits surface

Question 7

T or f- Earth’s temp and climate largely determined by atmosphere’s structure

Answer 7

T (e.g. atmosphere ○ Let in Sun’s radiant energy, but prevent some from escaping back to space > natural greenhouse effect… Without natural greenhouse effect, Earth would be cold, lifeless with average temp of -18 degrees)

Question 8

T or F- Ocean currents influence climate, especially coastal areas

Answer 8

T

Question 9

How do warmer ocean currents impact climate

Answer 9

Warm ocean currents have higher evaporation rates > more precipitation, especially when prevailing wind blows onshore

Question 10

Why are there more/larger deserts adjacent to western coastlines of continents?

Answer 10

Cold ocean currents low moisture in air above, low evaporation > tend to flow along western coastlines

Question 11

T or F- Mountain ranges interrupt movement of prevailing winds, moisture-laden air

Answer 11

T

Question 12

What is rain-shadow effect?

Answer 12

1. When moist air forced to rise, cools and expands
2. Losing most of its moisture as rain or snow on mountain’s windward side (side exposed to wind)
3. produces orographic rainfall
4. On other side (leeward slope) of mountain, cool dry air warms as it descends (warms due to being compressed by increasing atmospheric pressure)

Question 13

What is orographic rainfall

Answer 13

rainfall that results when moist body of air forced to rise due to topographic feature

Question 14

Deserts are often on which side of large mountain ranges?

Answer 14

Leeward (e.g. Himalayas)

Question 15

T or F Significant climatic differences can occur over small areas (micoclimates)

Answer 15

T

Question 16

What are 3 factors that can create microclimates?

Answer 16

1. aspect
2. land surface
3. Urban centres