1.1 Flashcards
Which part of the earth receives the most solar radiation?
The equator because the suns rays are concentrated on the equator - meaning a thinner atmosphere hence less radiation is absorbed
Why does the north and south of the equator receive less solar radiation?
There is a larger distribution area
There is a thicker atmosphere so more radiation is absorbed
What is meant by high pressure on the earths surface?
When air cools, it becomes less dense, it falls and transfers heat to the ground, warming as it falls, leaving clear skies
What is meant by low pressure on the earths surface?
When air is heated, it becomes less dense, so it rises, transferring heat to the atmosphere. As there’s less air on the surface, it has a low pressure
How does high and low pressure explain wind direction?
Winds are caused when air moves from high to low pressure across the earths surface
What is the the Coriolis effect?
Because of the earths rotation, wind is deflected to the right in the northern hemisphere and left in the southern hemisphere.
Name the atmospheric circulation cells and where they are
Polar (60°-90°), Ferrel (30°-60°), Hadley (0°-30°)
What happens in a ferrel cell?
Warmer airs moves from high pressure to low pressure before rising as it cools and moving towards equator where there is higher pressure so air moves back towards poles
How does a hadley cell work?
Solar radiation falls on earths surface and travels towards equator before moving upwards due to high pressure, it cools and moves towards the poles before falling due to low pressure
Name the different surface winds and their direction
Westerlies - blow towards poles from NW in southern hemisphere and from SW in southern hemisphere
Trade winds - blowing towards equator (from SE in southern hemisphere and NE in northern hemisphere) and when they meet they rise and form clouds.
