Topic 1: Hazardous Earth

Question 1

What is eccentricity?

Answer 1

The stretch of the path of the earths orbit around the sun,

• A circular orbit will result in a much warmer climate
• An oval shaped orbit will result in a much colder climate

Question 2

What is precession?

Answer 2

• The wobble of the axis of the earth, it moves like a spinning top

Question 3

Stages of the formation of a cyclone?

Answer 3

• Sea temperatures exceed 26.5°C
• Sea heats air, warm air rises
• The area of low pressure created causes surface winds
• These winds create a spinning motion due to the rotation of the earth
• The air begins to pull around the centre creating an eye
• Winds rotate outward at the top
• A dense canopy of clouds form at the top, it usually forms between 12-15km
• Cumulonimbus clouds form