1.1 The Atmosphere Operates As A Global System Which Transfers Heat Around The Earth

Question 1

Explain where on the Earths surface most solar radiation is received?

Answer 1

In the Earth’s surface, the most solar radiation is received…

.at the equator, which makes it the hottest place on Earth

.This is because the solar radiation passes through the atmosphere and heat up the ground

.the suns rays are usually concentrated over a small level and strikes at a right angle

.at the poles the sun rays have to pass through more “atmosphere” and have to travel through a greater distance so energy is absorb, where as the equator is less

Question 2

What is meant by high and low pressure (surface), why does this variation occurs?

Answer 2

Having low pressure means that…

.air is heated it rises as it is less dense

.As it rises it transfers heat to the atmosphere

.it cools, condenses and usually clouds and rain occur

.if there is ‘less air’ at the suface, it is now ‘low pressure’

Having having high pressure means

.air is cooled it becomes more dense

.the pressure falls and it transfers heat to the ground

.it warms as it falls leaving clear skies and little/no rainfall

.if there is ‘more air’ at the surface, it is now ‘high pressure’

Question 3

How does high and low pressure explain wind direction?

Answer 3

. Winds are caused when air moves from high pressure to low pressure across the Earths surface as a result of different places heating and cooling

.this is because the Earths rotation, the wind is deflected to the right in the Northern hemisphere and left in the southern hemisphere

. This is called the coriolis effect