Weather Flashcards
How does latitude affect temperature?
- At the poles the suns rays pass through more atmosphere. This means that heat is lost through scattering so temps are colder. At the equator the rays pass through less atmosphere so they are warmer.
- At the poles the suns rays heat up a larger surface area,. This means that their heat has to be spread out making it colder, whereas at the equator the suns rays heat a smaller surface area so the heat is more concentrated.
The abedo affect causes the suns rays to be reflected at the poles due to the white surfaces of snow/ice, whereas at the equator the dark leaves of a rain forest absorb heat so temperatures will increase.
How does aspect affect temperatures?
South facing slopes are warmer because they receive direct sunlight and are sheltered from cold northerly winds. Whereas the opposite happens at north facing slopes.
How do ocean currents and distance from the sea affect temperatures?
The North Atlantic drift is a warm current that comes from the gulf of Mexico and keeps the UK warmer. Also oceans heat up and cool down slower than the land so in winter places by the sea are warmer but in summer they are cooler.
How does relief affect temperature?
Temperatures are colder at higher altitudes. Temperature decrease by 1 degrees Celsius for every 100m in height.
How does relief affect precipitation?
Upland areas receive more rain than low land areas due to relief rainfall. Air is forced to rise over high land, where it cools and condenses, forming water droplets. Droplets get bigger and when clouds burst rain-falls. Drier air descends and warms over lowland areas, resulting in less rain - this is the rain shadow effect
How does latitude affect precipitation?
Places nearer the equator are wetter than the poles due to convectional rainfall, this means that at the equator air rises and water cools and condenses forming clouds and rain where as this cannot happen at the poles
How does aspect affect precipitation?
Prevailing winds in the UK are South westerly, blowing over the Atlantic Ocean where they pick up moisture. The west of the UK is always wetter than the east because water in the air is forced to cool and condense falling as rain in the west but as air descends over lower areas in the east as it is drier.
How does distance from the sea affect precipitation?
The closer an area is to the sea the wetter it is. The west of the UK is wetter than the east because of the rain shadow effect and the fact that clouds lose their moisture as they are blowen over land.
How does cold Arctic/Polar air masses effect employment, transport, health and lifestyle and sport in the UK?
Employment
- Farmers wont be able to grow crops so their income is affected
- More winter sports employment
- Snow ploughs and gritters
- Some people will not be able to get to work at all
Transport
- Major travel disruptions
- More crashes as vehicles slide on roads more
- Rail services will be stopped
Health and lifestyle
- Increase in disease like flu,pneumonia and hypothermia
- Over crowded hospitals/doctors surgeries, low levels of medication
Sport
- Frozen pitches cause a decrease in football and rugby etc
- Lots of snow for winter sports like skiing and ice for skaters
- Increase in indoor activities
How does a Tropical Continental air mass effect employment, transport, health and lifestyle and sport in the UK?
Employment
- Holiday companies like B&Bs/Hotels have an increased income
- Coastal businesses income increases for tourists buying food and drink
Transport
- Sun glare causes crashes
- Cars could overheat
- Train rails could possibly melt
- Not as much ice on roads
Health and lifestyle
- cases of sun stroke, dehydration and sun burn (which could lead to skin cancer) increase
- Peoples mood increases
- People will exercise more and eat healthier
Sport
- Increase in water sports
How does a Tropical Martime air mass effect employment, transport, health and lifestyle and sport in the UK?
Employment
- Better jobs in farming
- Increased need for swimming and life guards
Transport
- Car drivers could be distracted with rain on windscreen leading to an increase in crashes
- Flooding on railways
- Flooding on roads which can splash up and distract drivers leading to an increase in crashes
- Not as much ice on roads
Health and lifestyle
- Flooding could destroy many houses and be a threat to life
Sport
- good indoor sports
What are characteristics of the warm front?
Warm temps, steady continuous rain from nimbostratus clouds that form when warm air rises over a mass of cold air
What are characteristics of the warm sector?
Warmest temps and a lot drier as warm air cannot rise due to high pressure.
What are characteristics of the cold front?
Cold temps, which lots of heavy, short, sharp showers from cumulonimbus clouds which form when a cold air mass forces the warmer air upwards
