Physical Environments - Atmosphere

Question 1

Air mass

Answer 1

A large volume of air that is composed of the same properties.

Question 2

Albedo

Answer 2

The amount of reflectability of surfaces on the Earth such as land, ice and water.

Question 4

Climate

Answer 4

The average conditions of weather usually taken over a period of 35 years.

Question 5

Drought

Answer 5

A long period without rainfall. Notice that droughts do not necessarily just happen in desert areas.

Question 6

Front

Answer 6

The boundary between two air masses. If the air on one mass is warmer than the air being replaced, the front is termed ‘warm front’. If the air is colder than the air being replaced, the front is termed a ‘cold front’.

Question 7

Insolation

Answer 7

The amount of heat taken in from the sun.

Question 8

Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

Answer 8

A broad zonal trough of low pressure in equatorial latitudes where air converges at the equator.

Question 9

Latitude

Answer 9

The distance between the equator and the poles measured in degrees.

Question 10

Pressure belts

Answer 10

Patterns of atmospheric circulation systems of either high or low atmospheric pressure.

Question 11

Rainfall pattern

Answer 11

The distribution of rainfall throughout the year.

Question 12

Range of temperature

Answer 12

The difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in a year.

Question 13

Solar energy

Answer 13

Any form of energy originating from the Sun.