Hazardous earth Flashcards
What happens in an area of low pressure?
In an area of low pressure, warm air rises. This causes cloudiness and rainfall
What happens in an area of high pressure?
In an area of high pressure, cool air sinks. This cause arid conditions - no rainfall, clear skies.
Why is the equator warm?
The equator is warm because it is closest to the sun meaning it receives the most infrared rays
What is a circulation cell?
A circulation cell is when the heat from the sun powers a circle of air movement
Why is precipitation high at the equator?
Precipitation is high at the equator due to the rising warm air
What are ocean currents?
Ocean currents are when dense cold water sinks and warm water is pulled in to replace the cold water. it is powered by wind and density differences.
What are the natural causes of climate change?
The natural causes of climate change are Milankovitch cycles, sunspots, asteroid collisions, volcanic eruptions, ocean currents
What are the human activities that influence climate change?
The human activities that influence climate change are transport, energy production, farming and industry
What are the evidence of climate change?
The evidence of climate change is rising global temperatures, rising carbon dioxide levels, warmer sea temperatures, rising sea levels, melting ice caps and extreme weather
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is when the suns infrared rays bounce onto the earth, which is then bounced back into the atmosphere but is then trapped in an insulating layer around the earth due to the increase of greenhouse gases, causing global warming
What are the consequences of global warming?
The consequences of global warming are more droughts, disease spreading, more pests, destruction from extreme weather and coastal flooding
What temperatures must waters be in order for cyclones to form?
Cyclones only form when water temperatures at 26.5 degrees Celcius
What are the key characteristics of cyclones?
The key characteristics of cyclones are low pressure, the Coriolis force, and its structure (a cylinder with rising spiralling air which is 640km wide and 10km high)
How do tropical cyclones move?
Tropical cyclones start in the tropics. They move westward as they spin away from the equator as winds move east around the equator. It reaches a belt of winds from the west causing them to change direction. They can travel 640 km in a day.
When do cyclones intensify?
Cyclones intensify when they reach warm sea temperatures of 26 degrees Celcius when there is low wind shear and when there is high humidity
