Lesson 1 - Global controls on the climate Flashcards
(23 cards)
What are the 4 layers of the atmosphere?
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
Briefly describe the troposphere
This is closest to the earths surface where most of the weathering takes place.
Briefly describe the stratosphere
Above the troposphere, contains the ozone layer.
Where is the mesosphere located?
Above stratosphere
What is the atmospheric heat budget?
The balance of the earths heart, how it’s absorbed and radiated.
What is the main source of energy for the earth?
The Sun.
How is the energy distributed around the earth?
There is a surplus of energy surrounding the tropics but an energy deficiency at polar latitudes.
How is energy transferred from surplus areas to polar latitudes?
Through winds and sea currents
What is the tricellular model?
The model which displays how energy is distributed around the earth through cells, wind patterns etc.
What are the three cells in the tricellular model?
- Hadley
- Ferrel
- Polar
Where is the Hadley cell located?
Next to the equator
What climate is near the equator due to the Hadley cells?
Hot and wet (due to surplus of heat energy and low pressure where heat rises)
Where is the ferrel cell located?
Between the Hadley cells and the polar cells
How does the air move in the ferrel cells?
Air flows poleward at the surface and equator ward at high altitudes.
What type of climate is found at the ferrel cells? Why?
Cool and wet. Due to higher altitude less solar energy but low pressure causing wet conditions.
Where are the polar cells located?
At the North and South poles.
What type of climate is found at the polar cells? Why?
Dryer but cold due to high pressure as cold air sinks but little solar radiation.
What is the Coriolis effect?
The apparent bending of the wind due to the earths rotation.
What part of the earth rotates faster? Why?
The equator as its the widest part and therefore has further to travel within one day.
What is meant by continentality?
The influence that distance from ocean has on the climate of that area.
Difference in land response to solar energy than ocean response.
Land heats up and cools quicker and it remains on the surface, oceans heat up slower and cool down slower as the heat travels deeper within the ocean. Heat is also lost through evaporation.
How do oceans affect climate?
Warmer currents heat up areas whereas cooler current cool surrounding land.
What is the environmental lapse rate?
The average rate at which temperature decreases as latitude increases.
