Weather Flashcards
What are the factors affecting UK weather???
1.Latitude
Locations closer to the equator tend to be warmer. This is because the sun’s rays strike the equator directly, heating a concentrated area efficiently. Brighton, for example, has higher average temperatures than Aberdeen.
In contrast, at higher latitudes such as the poles, the Earth’s curvature disperses the sun’s rays over a broader area, resulting in cooler temperatures. Being further north, Inverness has lower average temperatures than London.
Also, the reflective surfaces of the poles, primarily ice and snow, bounce back a significant amount of solar radiation, further reducing heat absorption.
2.Aspect
South-facing areas in the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of the UK, often receive more direct sunlight, making them generally warmer.
These south-facing locations also benefit from being shielded from the colder northerly winds.
3.Relief
Areas at sea level or lower altitudes tend to be warmer, while regions at higher altitudes experience cooler temperatures.
As a rule of thumb, the temperature decreases by approximately 1°C for every ascent of 100 metres.
4.Urban heat effect
Cities and urbanised areas, with their abundance of materials like tarmac, concrete, and plastic, have a capacity to absorb and retain heat.
This phenomenon causes urban areas to be generally warmer than rural or countryside regions.
5.Distance from the sea
Coastal areas, being closer to the sea, often experience higher humidity and are typically wetter than inland regions.
In contrast, areas further from the sea have drier conditions, and their temperatures can exhibit greater extremes, both hot and cold.
What are the names of the air masses called and their conditions???
Tropical Maritime = hot and wet conditions
Tropical Continental = hot and dry conditions
Polar Maritime = cold and wet conditions
Polar Continental = cold and dry conditions
Arctic Maritime = freezing and wet conditions
What are the most dominant air masses in Scotland???
The most common air masses that dominate Scotland’s weather for extended periods of time are Tropical Continental, Polar Continental and Arctic Maritime.
What are the effects of tropical air masses???
1.Hose pipe bans put in place to preserve water.
2.Reservoirs may dry up.
3.More people flock to beaches.
4.More people at beaches can degrade the environment.
5.Sales of ice cream / suntan lotion increase.
6.Elderly people may struggle in heat.
7.Railway tracks can be too warm for trains to operate.
8.Increase in solar energy obtained.
What are the effects of arctic/polar air masses???
1.Areas cut off by snow makes them inaccessible.
2.Pipes may freeze and burst.
3.More road and pavement grit required.
4.More accidents due to slipping and tripping.
5.Increased energy usage as people need to heat their homes more.
6.Working hours lost as people cannot get to work.
7.People enjoy sledging / fun In the snow which makes them more 8.productive when they return to work.
What are the two types of air conditions and their associated weather???
High-pressure systems are associated with fair and stable weather, while low-pressure systems often bring unsettled and stormy conditions.
What is high air pressure known as???
high air pressure is also called as a anti cyclone
What is low air pressure known as???
low air pressure is also called a weather depression
Which way does wind circulate within high air pressure???
Wind circulates clockwise around high-pressure systems
Which way dies wind circulate within low air pressure???
Wind circulates counter-clockwise around low-pressure systems.
