Lesson 4 - Climate Patterns Flashcards
What is albedo?
Earth’s characteristics affect light distribution
Influences amount of heat absorbed
Give an example of albedo
Snow reflects heat
Dark forests absorb heat
How does albedo work?
Light reflects heat
Darkness absorbs heat
How does solar insolation vary globally?
Highest at Equator
Lowest at Poles
What causes global variations in solar insolation?
Angle of sun rays
Causes distribution differences
Why is there persistent rainfall at the Equator?
Insolation
Transfers heat to air
Warm air rises
Low pressure, clouds, rain
Describe the typical weather conditions at 30’ latitude
High pressure
Air cools + sinks
Precipitation falls
What are the typical climate patterns at mid latitude regions?
Differing air masses meet
Low pressure systems bring rainfall
Warm + cold air meet
Warm air rises due to density
Clouds, rain etc
What are the typical polar climate conditions?
Air cools + sinks
Precipitation falls
Dense + dry air - Polar deserts
What are the general global precipitation patterns?
Low polar precipitation
High equatorial precipitation
