1A (Hazardous Earth - Climate) Flashcards
Describe the process of atmospheric circulation [3]
Solar radiation heats the ground up [1]
Warm air rises into the atmosphere and transfers heat. [1]
The air then cools, becoming denser and sinks [1]
Name the 3 cells that atmospheric circulation happens in [3]
Hadley [1]
Polar [1]
Ferrel [1]
What is the Coriolis effect? [1]
Deflection of air movement by the Earth’s rotation [1]
Explain how areas with a high atmospheric pressure become arid and dry [4]
Intense sun radiation [1] which therefore increases temperature [1]
Dry air sinks on the surface [1] therefore blocking moist winds from blowing inland [1]
Areas with low atmospheric pressure have…… [1]
High rainfall [1]
Give 3 natural causes of global climate change [3]
Solar variation [1]
Volcanism [1]
Surface impact [1]
Explain how surface impact caused climate change [3]
Large cosmic material impacts the surface [1]. This leads to large volumes of dust into the atmosphere [1] therefore blocking solar radiation and causing glacial periods. [1]
Give 3 pieces of evidence of natural climate change [3]
Ice cores [1]
Tree rings [1]
Historical sources [1]
Explain how ice cores show evidence of natural climate change [3]
As ice forms, tiny bubbles of air freeze into the ice. [1] CO2 levels can be measured from the trapped air [1], therefore scientists can reconstruct climate from the past. [1]
What is the enhanced greenhouse effect? [2]
Trapping of heat radiation on Earth [1] by excess greenhouse gases from human activity [1]
Give 4 human activities which cause climate change [4]
Energy [1]
Industry [1]
Transport [1]
Farming [1]
Give 3 consequences of climate change [3]
Increased sea level [1]
Increased temperatures [1]
Extreme weather events [1]
Explain how an increase in sea level rise can cause damage to the Earth [2]
Increased sea levels means more flooding [1], therefore more coastal areas will be destroyed/fully submerged [1]
Explain how tropical cyclones are formed [4]
Warm, moist air rises from the sea [1]
High banks of swirling clouds are formed [1]
The cyclone picks up speed, which forms the eye and eye wall. [1]
The cyclone continues to grow and become quicker. [1]
Give 2 factors which must be present for a cyclone to form [3]
Moist, warm air above 26.5 Degrees Celsius [1]
Formation away from the equator for the Coriolis effect to occur. [1]
Winds converging at the ocean surface [1]
Identify 3 ways in which a tropical cyclone can dissipate. [3]
When it reaches land and loses warm water energy [1]
Moving into areas of colder water [1]
Running into other weather systems blowing in different directions [1]
Describe 5 hazards that can impact a population after a tropical cyclone. [5]
High winds [1]
Intense rainfall [1]
Storm surges [1]
Coastal flooding [1]
Landslides [1]
Explain how high winds can affect a population [2]
High winds can cause infrastructure damage [1], therefore leaving the population homeless [1]
Describe 2 physical, social and economic vulnerabilities some countries may have [6]
Physical:
- Located near the coast [1]
- Low relief (Storm surges) [1]
Social:
- Social inequalities between races [1]
- Age and gender [1]
Economic:
- Access to weather prediction tech. [1]
- Coastal defences present [1]
Give 3 ways in which a country can predict/prepare for a tropical cyclone [3]
Measuring atmospheric pressure [1]
Satellite tracking/radar [1]
Communicating with the population [1]
Give 3 ways a country can respond to a tropical cyclone [3]
Rescue workers/ search and rescue [1]
Food/clean water/medical care for injured people [1]
Setting up shelters/repair to allow quicker recovery times.[1]
Give and describe 3 methods of preparation used in Hurricane Katrina [3]
Monitoring cyclone with technology and forecasting [1] issuing warnings to allow people to prepare [1]
Evacuation of the population of New Orleans [1] to reduce loss of life [1]
Superdome used as shelter area for people who couldn’t leave,[1] therefore allowing people to seek shelter and medical attention if needed [1]
What is the Milankovitch Cycle? [2]
Long term change in the Earth’s orbit [1] that causes natural climate change [1]
Explain how solar variation can cause natural climate change [2]
The amount of radiation from the sun will vary [1], therefore this can cause glacial or interglacial periods [1]
