Topic 1,2 and 3 Flashcards
Insolation
Exposure to the sun’s rays
How many global atmospheric circulation loops (cells) are present per hemisphere?
- Hadley, Ferrel and Polar cells
What is the most important influence on worldwide variation in climate?
Latitude
Why is it colder at the poles than at the tropics?
At the poles, the suns energy is more spread out over a larger area due to the greater curvature of the earth.
Why is it warmer at the tropics than at the poles?
At the equator, the suns energy is more focused out over a smaller area due to the lesser curvature of the earth.
What is climate change?
Any significant change in measures of climate.
What are ocean currents?
Global patterns made by movement of the oceans.
What is solar radiation?
Energy from the sun
What is the Coriolis effect?
The effect of Earth’s rotation on the wind and currents
Milankovitch Cycles
Changes in the Earth’s orbit and tilt that cause glacial and interglacial periods.
How do scientists “know” the atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide that existed on Earth hundreds or thousands of years ago?
Ice cores
What is the atmosphere?
Layers of gas surrounding the Earth
Development
When a country advances towards a strong economy, good QOL and wellbeing and strong political system.
GDP
Gross Domestic Product - The total value of all final goods and services produced annually in a country
GNI per capita
Gross National Income per person - GNI divided by total population
