drivers of climate

Question 1

earths curvature, differential attenuation

Answer 1

degree of suns rays and thickness of atmosphere means that sun intensity is less at poles than the equator

Question 2

albedo

Answer 2

• reflectivity of surfaces to solar energy
• high albedo at poles as snow, ice and thick cloud have high albedo
• oceans and rainforests have low albedo

Question 3

seasonal temperature variations due to the earths tilt

Answer 3

• more pronounced at poles
• day length in the Northern hemisphere

Question 4

coriolis effect

Answer 4

• the surface of the earth rotates faster at the equator than the poles as the circumference is greater
• air curves as it moves from an area that is moving faster to an area that is moving slower
• wind is deflected to the right in the norther hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere

Question 5

difference in relative contribution to energy transfer at latitudes

Answer 5

• low latitudes = more energy transported by oceans
• high latitudes = more energy transported by atmosphere