Lesson 4 - Climate Patterns

Question 1

What is albedo?

Answer 1

Earth’s characteristics affect light distribution
Influences amount of heat absorbed

Question 2

Give an example of albedo

Answer 2

Snow reflects heat
Dark forests absorb heat

Question 3

How does albedo work?

Answer 3

Light reflects heat
Darkness absorbs heat

Question 4

How does solar insolation vary globally?

Answer 4

Highest at Equator
Lowest at Poles

Question 5

What causes global variations in solar insolation?

Answer 5

Angle of sun rays
Causes distribution differences

Question 6

Why is there persistent rainfall at the Equator?

Answer 6

Insolation
Transfers heat to air
Warm air rises
Low pressure, clouds, rain

Question 7

Describe the typical weather conditions at 30’ latitude

Answer 7

High pressure
Air cools + sinks
Precipitation falls

Question 8

What are the typical climate patterns at mid latitude regions?

Answer 8

Differing air masses meet
Low pressure systems bring rainfall
Warm + cold air meet
Warm air rises due to density
Clouds, rain etc

Question 9

What are the typical polar climate conditions?

Answer 9

Air cools + sinks
Precipitation falls
Dense + dry air - Polar deserts

Question 10

What are the general global precipitation patterns?

Answer 10

Low polar precipitation
High equatorial precipitation