Weather and climate questions. Flashcards
Name the circulation cell indicated by x on figure 1.
Hadley cell.
State the term for the period for major ice advances.
The quaternary period.
State the term for the variation in the tilt of the Earth’s axis.
Milankovitch cycles.
Define the term enhanced greenhouse effect.
It is when human activity releases increasing levels of co2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect.
Which one of the following is not a cause of the enhanced greenhouse effect?
Photosynthesis.
State two past periods in which the UK had different climates from the UK’s climate today.
Medieval warm period and the little ice age.
State the name given to the route taken by a cyclone.
Track.
Identify the name of the scale used to categorise tropical cyclones.
The Saffir-Simpson scale.
Identify one natural weather hazard associated with tropical cyclones.
Landslides.
Describe how atmospheric circulation transfers heat energy from the Equator to the polar regions.
At 60 degrees north and south, the warmer air of the Ferrel cells meets colder polar air. The warmer air rises to form polar cells. This air travels to the poles, where it cools and sinks, forming areas of high pressure.
Explain how volcanic activity can cause climate change.
A large-scale eruption can eject ash and dust into the atmosphere. This acts a blanket blocking out solar radiation causing temperatures to fall for a time.
Explain how two human activities are contributing to climate change.
Industry:
- Rising demand for consumer goods increases production, burning more fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases.
Energy:
- New technologies and population growth increase demand for electricity produced from coal, which all produce greenhouse gases.
State one factor that is needed for tropical cyclones to form.
- Very low pressure.
Explain one meteorological cause of drought.
High pressure forces away the low pressure systems that bring rain.
Suggest one impact of drought on ecosystems in an emerging or developing country.
- Extinction of some species.
