Systems

Question 1

What is a system?

Answer 1

Set of interrelated objects comprising of components (STORES) and processes (LINKS) that are connected to work as a unified whole.

Question 2

What type of system are glaciers?

Answer 2

Open systems - energy and matter can be transferred in as INPUTS and can also transfer OUTPUTS

Question 3

Define negative feedback

Answer 3

A response to nullify the initial change

Question 4

Define positive feedback

Answer 4

A response to amplify the initial change

Question 5

Define glacial mass balance/budget

Answer 5

The difference between accumulation and ablation occurring over a one year time period.
Accumulation - ablation= annual budget

Question 6

Define aeolian processes
CLIMATE

Answer 6

The process of wind carrying out erosion, transportation and deposition, acting on fine material

Question 7

what are the varying rates of precipitation globally? (2 locations)
CLIMATE

Answer 7

HIGH LATITUDE Vostock station in Antarctica - 4.5mm /year
HIGH ALTITUDE Canadian Rockies - >600mm /year

Question 8

what are the seasonal precipitation rates in Antarctica and the Canadian Rockies?
CLIMATE

Answer 8

Antarctica - less seasonal difference
Canadian Rockies - very varied seasonally: January 25mm, June 100mm

Question 9

What is the effect of seasonal precipitation variation on the glacial budget?
CLIMATE

Answer 9

The more seasonally varied precipitation, the more varied the glacial budget

Question 10

Why are glaciers in polar regions so thick despite low precipitation inputs?
CLIMATE

Answer 10

In high latitude locations, temps may never rise above 0c so no melting.

Question 11

Define lithology
GEOLOGY

Answer 11

the physical and chemical composition of rocks.

Question 12

2 examples of rocks with weak lithology
GEOLOGY

Answer 12

CLAY as the bonds within the rock are weak so little resistance to erosion, weathering and mass movements.

LIMESTONE made of calcium carbonate which is soluble to weak acids so its vulnerable to decay
by weathering through carbonation

Question 13

Example of a rock with strong lithology
GEOLOGY

Answer 13

BASALT as its made of interlocking crystals, resistant to weathering its more likely to form landforms like aretes and pyramidal peaks

Question 14

Define Structure
GEOLOGY

Answer 14

the properties of individual rock types such as jointing, bedding, faulting and permeability.

Question 15

Examples with weak structure
GEOLOGY

Answer 15

CHALK is porous
CARBONIFEROUS LIMESTONE is highly jointed

Question 16

Effect of bedding plane alignment on valley side profiles
GEOLOGY

Answer 16

Vertical cliffs have rock with horizontal bedded strata.
profiles follow the angle of dip of bedding planes

Question 17

What are high latitude conditions?
LAT AND ALT - (majorly control the climate)

Answer 17

Cold, dry climates, little seasonal variation

Question 18

Effect of Relief on glaciers
RELIEF AND ASPECT

Answer 18

The steeper the relief of the landscape, the greater the resultant force of gravity and the more energy the glacier will have to move downslope

Question 19

Effect of aspect on glaciers
RELIEF AND ASPECT

Answer 19

If the aspect of a slope faces away from the general direction of the sun there will be less solar radiation hence less melting.