Past Papers Flashcards
State four methods of transferring heat in the atmosphere
Conduction
Convection
Advection
Radiation
What is the first law of thermodynamics?
The first law of thermodynamics states that the total energy of an isolated system is constant; energy can be transformed from one form to another, but cannot be created or destroyed.
What are the characteristics of the Polar Maritime Stream?
Cool/Cold Dry - low Td Unstable Cumuliform clouds Showers Good visibility
What is meant by surface convergence? Give three examples of where it can be found in the atmosphere.
Surface convergence is the process that causes air to rise, from the impact of friction that causes air to flow into areas of low pressure.
- ) Air crossing a coastline
- ) Low pressure systems
- ) Areas of high winds
What is the pressure gradient force?
The pressure gradient force is the force which results when there is a difference in pressure across a surface.
What governs the speed of propagation of a wind wave in:
a. ) Deep water?
b. ) Shallow water?
Wave speed in deep water governed by V = f.L
Shallow water prop L and depth, Shallow propagates the depth only
State four factors in the formation of sea ice.
Several forms of ice may be encountered at sea but the most common is Sea Ice
- ) Freezing of Salt Water (Density/Salinity effects)
- ) Denser water will sink and not freeze, (usually more saline).
- ) Colder water sinks, why many oceans aren’t frozen, from convection.
- ) Temperature must be colder for salt water than fresh water.
By means of an annotated diagram or otherwise, explain how the vertical profile of seawater density differs between polar, temperate and equatorial waters.
Temperature and density share an inverse relationship, as temperature increases density decreases.
In polar regions, denser seawater will be seen throughout with a small amount of warm, less dense water on top.
Temperature regions are between other two regions.
Equatorial regions will be warm and therefore only a small amount of denser water will be found in the deeper regions of the ocean.
Explain the meaning of the term carbonate compensation depth and how this depth varies throughout the ocean.
The depth at which the rate of carbonate accumulation equals the rate of carbonate dissolution. Calcium rates vary throughout the ocean as introduction of calcium through river systems and hydrothermal vents. Different regions have a varied abundances of these inputs.
Where in the surface oceans are siliceous organisms most prevalent and why?
Siliceous organisms are mostly found in areas of upwelling, this is due to the fact that the majority of these organisms, tend to remain on the sea floor. So when it is found in the surface, it is usually from upwelling waters.
What is meant by vapour pressure?
Vapour pressure (e) represents the actual amount of vapour in the air at any given time
What is meant by saturated vapour pressure?
Saturated vapour pressure (es) represents the maximum amount of water vapour that a parcel of air can possibly hold.
What is meant by dew point?
The atmospheric temperature (varying according to pressure and humidity) below which water droplets begin to condense and dew can form.
What is meant by relative humidity?
The amount of water vapour present in air expressed as a percentage of the amount needed for saturation at the same temperature. A reading of 100 percent relative humidity means that the air is totally saturated with water vapor and cannot hold any more, creating the possibility of rain
What is an adiabatic process?
An adiabatic process is a process that occurs without the transfer of heat or matter between a system and its surroundings.
