Human interference and Climate Patterns-Lesson 4 Flashcards
Where is solar insolation most intense?
At the equator
What is the albedo affect?
This is where characteristics such as the Earth’ surface (how light or how dark it is) affects the amount of solar energy absorbed
How do snow and dark forests react to heat?
Snow reflects heat and dark forests will absorb the heat
How is heat distributed around the globe?
Heat is distributed by air movement (wind) caused by pressure differences and ocean currents
What does the heating of the Earth’s atmosphere and surface control?
It controls the temperature, pressure, movement and moisture content of the air
What systems dominate in the equator?
Low pressure systems dominate there as well as convection
To what level does air pressure rise to around the equator?
It rises to 30 degrees north and south of the equator
In the mid latitudes what pressure systems are present?
Low pressure systems bring rainfall
What is the density of the air like near the poles?
Nearer the poles the air is dense and dry-This helps create polar deserts with little precipitation
Why do regional and seasonal variations occur?
This is because of the effects of relief and the migration of global pressure patterns and wind systems as the sun moves North and South
What does the Earth’s natural temperature control system rely on?
.It relies on greenhouse gases
.The concentration of atmospheric carbon strongly influences the natural greenhouse effect
What is the Earth’s climate driven by?
Incoming shortwave solar radiation
What % of shortwave atmosphere is reflected by clouds and aerosols in the atmoshphere?
Approximately 31 percent
What % of shortwave solar radiation is absorbed at the Earth’s surface especially by ocenas?
69%
What happens to a large proportion of longwave radiation and what does it give?
It is re-radiated back to the surface by clouds and greenhouse gases and the trapping of longwave radiation gives a life supporting average of 15 degrees
