3A: General atmospheric circulation; pressure belts and surface winds

Question 1

Weather

Answer 1

The conditions of the atmosphere at any one time

Question 2

Climate

Answer 2

The average weather conditions of a particular place over a long period of time

Question 3

Ways the angle of incidence effect the amount of heating of the surface: A lower angle means that;

Answer 3

lower energy per Msquared

Sunlight must travel through more atmosphere

light is more easily reflected off the surface

Question 4

Reason for differences in pressure across the Earth

Answer 4

Differences of insolation absorbed across Earth’s surface create areas of ascending and descending air

Question 5

forces that create an direct wind

Answer 5

wind is created by the pressure gradient

wind direction is modified by the Coriolis force

At low altitudes wind speed and direction are further influenced by friction as air moves across the earths surface