Weather And Climate (the Right One) Flashcards
1
Q
What is in constant motion?
A
The earths atmosphere
2
Q
Why does the equator receive the most concentrated radiation?
A
Because the Suns Ray’s hit the surface closest to a right angle. This is the hottest part of the surface.
3
Q
In polar areas, the sun’s rays hit the surface at a lower angle. Why is it colder?
A
Because there is a larger area to heat
4
Q
As air is heated by the ground, it rises, causing what?
A
Low pressure
5
Q
In places air sinks, causing what?
A
High pressure
6
Q
What does differences in pressure cause?
A
It causes winds, which redistribute heat from the tropics across the planet
7
Q
What is the Coriolis effect?
A
As the air moves above the surface of the earth, the planet continues to rotate. This means that is a mass of air moves north from the equator over a large distance, it will appear to have been deflected to the right and not travelled straight north. This is because the earth has rotated below the air, making it appear that the air has travelled in a curve. In the Southern Hemisphere, winds are deflected to the left.
8
Q
Go to page 96
A
And look at the circulation cells
9
Q
What is the movement of air within circulation cells controlled by?
A
It’s controlled by heating and cooling. The earth receives all of its heat from solar radiation from the sun. The radiation passes through the atmosphere and heats up the ground directly. As the ground heats up it warms the air above it, providing the heat in our atmosphere. As the earth is roughly spherical in shape, not all areas receive the same amount of radiation from the sun. This is because the surface of the planet is curved, therefore the radiation from the sun hits the earths surface at differing relative angles.
10
Q
How do jet streams have an impact on air movement?
A
Jet streams form mostly at the boundaries of the main circulations cells (eg at the boundary of a polar cell and a Ferrel cell) where there is significant temperature difference. There streams can affect the movement of other weather systems and can therefore change the weather for different areas.
11
Q
What are jet streams?
A
A fast-moving current of air in the upper atmosphere
12
Q
What is a Ferrel cell?
A
A circulation cell that brings warm air towards the uk
13
Q
What is a Hadley cell?
A
A circulation cell near the equator responsible for storms at the equator and desert belts north and south of the equator.
14
Q
What is a polar cell?
A
The circulation cell furthest from the equator that brings cold air south towards the uk
15
Q
What is oceanic circulation?
A
When oceans redistribute heat around the earth
16
Q
What are surface ocean currents driven by?
A
By the movement of wind across the top of the water
17
Q
What are deep ocean currents driven by?
A
By water sinking and rising as a result of temperature changes
18
Q
What are both types of ocean currents deflected by?
A
The Coriolis effect
19
Q
What do some ocean currents play a part in?
A
Some ocean currents play a part in heat redistribution include the Gulf Stream, which brings warm water from the Caribbean Sea across the Atlantic Ocean to the uk, and the Humboldt current, which takes cold water from the southern tip of chile north to Peru and supports a large amount of marine life.
20
Q
What is climate change?
A
Climate change refers to how the average climatic conditions of the planet vary over time. At some points in our planets history the earth has been comparatively warm and during other periods it has been significantly colder. The planets history is divided into periods and the climate during the quaternary period has changed many times.
21
Q
What is climate?
A
The average weather conditions of an area occurring over many years
22
Q
What does climate change mean?
A
Variations in temperature and rainfall affecting the whole world
23
Q
What is the quaternary period?
A
The current period of geological time
24
Q
How can climate change occur?
A
Through both natural and human causes. Natural causes have been responsible for most climate change during the majority of the earths history, with human causes having a greater impact over the last 250 years compared with natural causes, particularly since the industrial revolution.
25
Describe natural causes of climate change?
There are several natural processes that can lead to climate change. One such process is milankovitch cycles. These are natural changes to the earths orbit and position that affect how much radiation we receive from the sun. Sometimes these cause us to receive more radiation than normal, resulting in global warming, and sometimes lead to us receiving less than normal, leading to global cooling.
26
What are the 3 types of milankovitch cycles?
Eccentricity, axial tilt, precession
27
What is the eccentricity cycle?
The orbit of the earth changes shape over long periods of time, approximately every 100,000 years. This means that sometimes the earth's orbit around he sun is more circular, making us slightly warmer (interglacial), and sometimes the orbit becomes more elliptical, making the earth slightly cooler (glacial)
28
Describe the axial tilt cycle?
The earth does not sit with the north and south poles exactly at the top and bottom of the planet. In fact,nature earth is tilted so that the poles are actually rotated approximately 23 degrees from a vertical position. This creates our seasons north and south of the equator. However, over a period of approximately 40,000 years, the angle of the tilt changes. This means that sometimes the earth is tilted further away from the sun, which makes the difference in the season's more pronounced (summers are warmer and winters are colder). When it is closer to the sun, the difference in the seasons is less.
29
Describe the precession cycle
As the earth rotates on its axis (which is what gives us day and night), it does not do so perfectly. In fact the earth wobbles on its axis, in a similar way to a spinning top as it slows down. As this happens, the direction the axis is facing changes. This affects our seasons and creates either greater or smaller differences between summer and winter. This occurs over a period of approximately 24,000 years.
30
How is solar variation a cause of global climate change?
The amount of radiation the sun produces over time. Periods of lower solar activity are likely to lead to glacial periods and those with higher activity lead to interglacial period
31
How is volcanism a natural cause of global climate change?
Large-scale volcanic eruptions can eject huge volumes of ash and dust into the atmosphere. Some eruptions can produce so much that the volcanic material can partially block our solar radiation, reducing temperatures and causing glacial periods
32
How is surface impact a natural cause of climate change?
Large cosmic material, such as asteroids and comets, can impact the earths surface. This can eject large volumes of dust into the atmosphere, partially blocking solar radiation and leading to glacial periods. Climate change is caused by surface impact can have dramatic effects on life. One such impact approximately 65 million years ago is considered to be responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs. It is not the force of the impact that is thought to have wiped them out however, but rather the massive climate change that was created by the impact.
33
Trees live for hundreds of years, in some cases thousands, they can experience the impact of climate change. As trees grow they produce growth rings that can be seen in a cross section of a trunk. What can these growth rings tell us about climate change?
Growth rings tend to be wider in warmer, wetter climates and thinner in colder, drier climates. Analysing the rings can tell us what the climate was like throughout the trees history. However, while this is helpful, we can only get this data for the length of time the tree has been alive. To gather data from further in the past, we can use ice sheet cores
34
How can ice cores tell us about the history of climate change?
Ice cores are drilled sections of ice from sheets in locations such as Antarctica and Greenland. As snow falls it is compressed into ice layers and these layers capture information about the climate at yen time they were formed. This is because they can contain volcanic ash, microbes, pollen and even bubbles of air trapped when the ice formed. All of this can give invaluable information on past climates
35
How is pollen useful information about the earths climate change history?
Pollen is produced by all flowering plants and distinct shapes and structure of pollen allows us to identify which plant the pollen has come from. Pollen can become trapped in ice and in sedimentary rocks. Since certain plants can only grown in certain conditions, this gives us information a hit what the climate must have been like when the rock or ice in which the pollen was trapped formed.
36
What documents and we use to find out about historical climates?
Personal diaries and religious records. These documents include destroy ions of what the climate was like during the past
37
What is the greenhouse affect?
The green house affect is a natural process which keeps the earth warm. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap some of the heat that is radiated from the surface which would otherwise have been lost in space. Without this effect, the average temperature of the earth would be much cooler
38
Human activity has resulted in a large increase in the human production of green house gases, leading to the enhanced green house affect and global warming. Describe all the green house gases
Industrial processes, transportation, agricultural by-products, fossil fuels, power stations, waster disposal and treatment, land use and biomass burning, residential, commercial, co2, methane , nitrios oxide
39
How does industry impact climate change?
As levels of disposable income rose, increased demand for the production of the consumer goods leads to industry growth and the need for more energy, resulting in more fossil fuels being burnt
40
How does transportation impact climate change?
With cars becoming more affordable and more people taking flights over long distances, huge quantities of fuel are used. Almost all transport relies on burning fossil fuels in some way, again increasing the amount of greenhouse gases released
41
How does energy impact climate change?
The demand for electricity is growing because of increasing population and new technologies. Most of out energy is produced through burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), which produce greenhouse gases
42
How doe farming impact climate change?
Population growth has led to a higher demand for food production. Mechanisation means more fuel is burnt, and intensive farming of cattle and rice repost in increased production of methane, which is a greenhouse gas.
43
How does climate change impact food production?
Plants are able to produce there own food through photosynthesis. Animals eat plants (herbivores) or other animals haven eaten plants (carnivores) or they eat both plants and animals. This makes plants a vital source. Photosynthesis is a complicated process and can be negatively affected by increases in temperature or decreases in sunlight, both of which can occur because of global climate change. With lower crop yields, large sections of the population could suffer from malnutrition, a problem what will be worse in developing countries.
44
What is the most commonly known impact of climate change?
A likely rise in sea level. An increase in temperature will result in sea level an increase in temperature will result in land-based ice, particularly in the continent of Antarctica, melting and adding to the amount of water in the oceans.
45
What is thermal expansion?
It's another cause of sea levels to rise. Warm water occupies a greater volume than colder water. A rise in global temperatures will cause the oceans to expand in volume, further adding to sea level rise.
46
The Maldives is a country located in the Indian Ocean which is made up of nearly 1200 small coral islands. The Maldives is the flattest country on earth, the highest point being only 2.4 meters above sea level. How much is it predicted that global sea levels will rise before the end of the century?
It varies from 20cm to more than 1m. This puts large areas of the Maldives at serious risk. As a developing country, the Maldives relies heavily on tourism. The main attractions of the islands are its sandy beaches, clear seas and coral reefs teeming with fish. Almost all of the country's infrastructure is under threat from sea level rise. Eg, the country's international airports, vital to the tourism industry are built 50m of the coastline
47
How is the Maldives responding to the threat of sea level rise?
With plans to migrate the impacts on the country. These include increasing rainwater harvesting to reduce reliance on groundwater supplies as well as trying to protect the groundwater supples from sea water infiltration to higher levels. The possibility of mass migration away from the country has also been discussed.
48
What are the social impacts of sea level rise on the Maldives?,
Higher sea levels and more regular storms lead to periodic flooding of coastal areas. In 2007, more than 1600 people had to be evacuated because of coastal flooding.
49
What are the economic impacts of the sea level rise in the Maldives?
The key attractions of beaches and coral reefs will become inaccessible, leading to a loss of employment in tourism. Cost of evacuations and rehousing will continue to increase.
50
What are the environmental impacts of the sea level rise in the Maldives?
Groundwater supplies are contaminated with sea water flowing into the islands. The soil is also contaminated. Temperature increases in the surrounding ocean may lead to bleaching and death of the islands coral reefs
51
Describe retreating glaciers
Glaciers and ice sheets account for most of the land-based ice around the world, as well as approximately 10% of the planets total land area. With increasing global temperatures, many glaciers are showing a pattern of retreat, meaning they are becoming smaller, and ice sheets are thinning
52
Describe the consequences of melting ice sheets
Melting of high mountain glaciers such as those in the Himalayas upon which farmers in India and Pakistan rely for irritation water, can lead to flooding of the local area in the short term. However, in the long term, with a smaller volume of ice available in the glacier, there may be water shortages because less water is produced by the glacier on a regular basis. On a global scale, melting ice sheets will add more water to oceans, leading to sea level rise
53
Where is the uk located?
Between 50 and 60 degrees N of the equator. Distance from the equator has an impact on climate: locations further north and south from the equator receive less solar radiation than areas closer to the equator. The uk's climate is best described as temperature. Extremes of weather are uncommon and extreme weather events such as tornadoes and prolonged droughts are rare. As a result of the meeting of major air masses over the uk, particularly cool air from the north and south, frontal rainfall is quite common throughout the year
54
What is frontal rain?
A front in the boundary between air masses.mis moist air rises along the front, as the air cools clouds form and rain may fall
55
Describe the medieval warm period
The medieval warm period occurred between approximately 950 and 1100. During this period, the temperatures in the uk were high enough to support the growth of grape vines as far north as York and also allowed greater crop yields across the uk. The population increased significantly beat sue of milder winters and a greater availability of food. This period has been attributed to increased solar activity and possible period of low volcanic activity across the world.
56
What was the little ice age?
The little ice age was the period between the medieval warm period and the modern climate, between 1600 and 1850, when temperatures in the UK were low enough for the river Thames to freeze to a sufficient thickness for people to walk on. The extended winters caused widespread crop failures. This period has been attributed to some extreme volcanic eruptions as well as a decrease in solar activity
57
Over the last 1000 years what has been climate changes two major changes?
The medieval warm period and the little ice age
58
How does the maritime influence impact the UKs climate?
As the UK is surrounded by sea, most of the air that reaches us contains a large amount of moisture, resulting in consistent rainfall throughout the year
59
How does prevailing wind impact the UKs climate?
The prevailing wind is the most common wind direction, which is the UK is from the southwest. It has travelled over large expanses of warm ocean, so this air is warm and contains a lot of moisture. The prevailing wind reaches the western areas of the UK first and releases this moisture as rain there. This leaves the eastern side of the UK relatively drier.
60
How does the North Atlantic drift impact the UKs climate?
A warm ocean current called the North Atlantic drift bring warm water north to the UK from the Gulf of Mexico, driven by the prevailing wind. This current of warm water has a particular effect during the winter, making the UK climate milder than would be expected for our latitude.
61
How do circulation cells impact the UKs climate?
The UK Is located near the 'boundary' between the northern Ferrel and polar circulation cells. At this boundary, warm air from the south and cooler air from the north meet, leading to the formation of depressions and unsettled weather
62
How does altitude impact the UKs climate?
The higher the altitude of an area, the cooler it will be 1 degree lost for every 100m higher above sea level. Also, as the air is forced to rise over the high land it is cooled, chasing more of the moisture in the air to condense and fall as precipitation on the hill tops
63
What are tropical cyclones?
Tropical cyclones are large, rotating storms that form jet oceans in tropical areas. Depending on where in the world they from, they are known a hurricanes, cyclones or typhoons. They can be devastating if they move over land.
64
How are tropical cyclones easily identifiable?
Because of their distinctive features. The most well know of these features is the eye, located at the centre of the storm. Surrounding the eye is the eye wall; high density cloud covers the remaining area of a storm
65
How does global atmospheric circulation impact the formation of tropical cyclones?
As air moves around the planet it moves away from the equator and begins to rotate because of the need to disperse the high levels of heat at the equator across the planets surface.this movement as a result of the Coriolis effect, combined with the evaporation caused by high temperatures, leads to the formation of tropical storms
66
How are tropical cyclones formed?
Tropical cyclones form in tropical areas, high temperatures cause air to rise away from the ocean surface. The rising air causes thunderstorms, which are inky local in their effects. However, sometimes these storms ground together, creating a strong flow of warm, rapidly rising air, which in turn produces an area of extreme low pressure at the centre of these converging storms
67
What conditions does there need to be before a storm can converge into a tropical cyclone?
A source of moist, warm air, normally warmer than 27 degrees (which is why they always from in the tropics)
The time of year (season) when the ocean water is warmest
Winds converging at the oceans surface, causing the air to rise
Formation some distance from the equator so the Coriolis effect will cause the storm to rotate
68
What happens as a storm rotates?
As the storm rotates, the winds accelerate inwards and upwards, making the depression stronger and forming a tropical cyclone. They eye of a cyclone is dry and calm, because it is the only p,ace for kilo meters around where the air is sinking
69
What is the movement of tropical cyclones?
Tropical cyclones do not retain where they are formed. Cyclones follow the direction of the local prevailing winds and ocean currents. The track of the tropical cyclone affects how strong it becomes. The further it travels over the ocean, the more heat and moisture it collects, so increasing its strength. When the cyclone reaches dry land, it is cut off from its energy source. It can no longer extract heat from the ocean, loses its strength and slows down.
70
How can the formation of tropical cyclones be forecast?
Certain areas of the planet are more likely to produce the favourable conditions that trigger them. Once formed, dedicated centres, such as the national hurricane centre in Florida, USA, will use various methods to predict the track of the cyclone so that preparations can be made as potential landfall locations. The use of satellite imagery and statistical modelling is key to predicting the track of a tropical cyclone, along with other weather data, such as wind conditions
71
Describe the frequency of a tropical cyclone
Because a tropical cyclone requires specific conditions for its formation, they are more likely to occur in some periods of the year than in others. Eg because of the temperatures required for formation, tropical cyclones are more likely to form between June and November in the northern tropics and between November and April in the southern tropics. These periods when tropical cyclone formation is more likely are referred to as seasons
72
It is impossible to predict how many tropical storms will be formed in a season and how many will become cyclones.
In warmer years more cyclones are likely than in cooler years, but exact numbers will vary.
73
What are the consequences of high winds in a tropical cyclone?
Tropical cyclones produce winds of over 119 Km per hour. These winds can cause severe damage to buildings. Trees can be uprooted (pulled out of the ground by the force of the wind) and some smaller constructions, such as sheds and beach huts, can be moved. These become dangerous as they can impact on people and buildings, causing damage, injury and loss of life.
74
Describe intense rainfall in a tropical cyclone
As tropical cyclones move over the ocean they take up a large amount of water and this results in a large release of rain. Weather forecasters can estimate how much rain may fall based on how fast the storm has been travelling over the water. The intense rain created by the tropical cyclone can lead to flooding, damage to property and injury, as fast-flowing water can knock people over, even if it's not very deep.
75
Describe the impact of storm surges in a tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone creates a large area of low pressure, which allows the level of the sea to rise. When this is combined with the high winds produced by the storm, a large mass of water can be forced towards land by the strength of the wind. When the surge hits land, it does so with severe force. Storm surges can erode beaches and coastal habitats, damage coastal defences and flow inland, contaminating farmland and freshwater areas such as lakes.
76
Describe the impact of coastal flooding in a tropical cyclone
The combination of intense rain and storm surges puts coastal areas at severe risk of flooding. Not only does this put people and property at risk, but it can also affect the farming and tourism industries. The environmental impact of flooding by salt water will also be very damaging.
77
What is a storm surge?
An increase in the height of the sea due to a storm
78
Describe the impact of landslides in a tropical cyclone
Intense rainfall affects areas of high relief as well as coastal lowlands. High levels of rain can saturate the soil very quickly. This makes the soil very heavy and, in areas with steel slopes, can mean that the soil will no longer be able to hold its position and will start to slide down the slope. Deforestation can make slopes unstable, as can the geology, eg where the underlying rock above can easily slide over it and downhill. This can cause massive deforestation to any settlements at the base of the slope, and cause river flooding if the landslide blocks river channels
79
In the northern hemisphere, the saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale is used to classify tropical cyclones, and these are specifically referred to as hurricanes. What is it based on?
It is based in the wind speed generated by the storm, but does not take into account rainfall or storm surges and so does not predict exactly what damage will occur when a hurricane reaches land. However you can use rainfall and storm surge data to estimate the category of a hurricane.
80
What are the characteristics of a hurricane if it comes in at 1 on the saffir-Simpson scale?
It's winds are between 119-153 km/h. The damage is minimal:unanchored mobile homes, vegetation and signs. Storms surges between 1.2-1.7m
81
What are the characteristics of a hurricane if they come in at 2 on the saffir-Simpson scale?
The winds is between 154-177 km/h. There is moderate damage: all mobile homes, roofs, small crafts, flooding. Storm surges are between 1.8-2.6m
82
What are the characteristics of a hurricane if it's at 3 on the saffir-Simpson scale?
The winds are between 178-208 km/h. The damage is extensive: small buildings, low-lying roads cut off. Storms surges between 2.7-3.8m.
83
What are the characteristics of a hurricane if it's at 4 on the saffir-Simpson scale.
Winds are between 209-249 km/h. The damage is extreme: roofs destroyed, trees down, roads cut off, mobile homes destroyed. Beach homes flooded. The storm surges are between 3.9-5.4m.
84
What are the characteristics of a hurricane if it's at5 on the saffir-Simpson scale?
It's winds are more than 250 km/h. The damage is catastrophic: many buildings destroyed, vegetation destroyed, major roads cut off, homes flooded. Storms surges are over 5.4m.
85
Describe the hurricane sandy
On 24th October 2012, a storm that had formed earlier in the month was official revere there's as a hurricane (category 1) on the saffir-Simpson scale. This hurricane, officially named as hurricane sandy, swept through the Caribbean Sea, making landfall on the island nations of Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas before moving north and eventually reaching the USA.
86
Describe hurricane sandy when it fell on New Jersey
Hurricane sandy made landfall in the state of New Jersey in the USA on 29th October. It's wind strength had varied during its journey across the Caribbean and North Atlantic, but when it made landfall wind speeds of 129km/h were recorded. Much if the damage, however, was not caused by the wind speed but by the storm surge that was produced by the hurricane.
87
Describe the consequences of hurricane sandy on New Jersey
Although the storm had been forecast and preparations had been made in states from Florida yo to New Jersey, the damage and death toll were still high. Flood water from the intense rain and storm surge rapidly moved inland across various states. In New York City, several subway stations and road tunnels were flooded and were unusable, power lines were damaged, tall buildings swayed with the force of the wind and a tanker ship ran aground near Staten Island. Many other states across the eastern USA suffered power outages, disruption to transport and property damage.
88
What were the social impacts of hurricane sandy?
More than 150 people were killed by the hurricane, making it the most deadly in the USA since hurricane katrina. Millions of people were left without electricity for days. Transport links, including roads, railways and airports, were closed or faced severe disruption. Schools were closed for many days and homes and businesses were damaged from either flooding or high winds.
89
What was the economic impacts if hurricane sandy?
Total property damage was estimated US$65 billion across al, the affected states. Additionally, the New York stock exchange was forced to close for several days because of a loss of power. Petrol was in short supply and had to be brought into the affected states at a cost to the government. The New York marathon, scheduled for 4 November, was cancelled, affecting tourist income.
90
What was the environmental impacts of hurricane sandy?
Several coastal nature reserves, such as Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in the state of Delaware, were damaged by the storm surge. The flooding also led to the release of millions of gallons of raw and untreated sewage into the waters around New York and New Jersey.
91
What did the media do in response to hurricane sandy?
The media l,sued a large part in raising funds for victims, charity concerts were organised and broadcast on tv and online, along with telethons and corporate donations to raise millions of dollars for the relief effort.
92
What did charities such as the American Red Cross do in response to hurricane sandy?
They were involved in providing relief to people in the affected areas, funded through some of the media events.
93
What did the US government do is response to hurricane sandy?
The US government voted in legislation to provide billions of dollars to the affected states to help with rebuilding and supporting victims. The state of New York set up a new local government office to co-ordinate rebuilding efforts to make sure that all areas would be helped. Some of this money was paid directly to Homeowners to help with reconstruction, the rest went to businesses, infrastructure and other community support schemes.
94
What did the public do in response to hurricane sandy?
Both during and spatter the storm, people posted images and descriptions of the impacts of hurricane sandy on social media sites. People across the world could see and asses the impact of the storm in real to,e as information was uploaded to the Internet. This allowed both the general public and local government bodies to begin to asses the damage being caused, even before the storm had passed.
95
What did government agencies do in response to hurricane sandy?
Government agencies were able to use satellite images. By comparing older satellite photographs with those taken soon after the storm, the changes that had occurred to the area as a result of the hurricane could be observed and a plan for how to respond based on the specific needs of an area could be formulated
96
The impact of hurricane sandy on different areas was also analysed by the use of socio-economic data. By assessing the impact on sectors such as health care, education and public services, the areas suffering most deprivation as a result of damage to each of these sectors could be identified. What could local governments then do?
Local government could then respond to the worst-affected areas quickly to restore these services as soon as possible. This approach can be applied to both developed and developing countries.
97
Describe typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines 2013
Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, was the equivalent of a category 5 on the saffir-Simpson scale, and so one of the strongest tropical cyclones on record. Typhoon Haiyan formed on 2nd November 2013 in the South Pacific Ocean, close to the federated states of Micronesia. Wind speeds continued to increase over the following days, and the typhoon was equivalent to a category 5 hurricane by day 6. With winds reaching gusts of over 306 km/h, the typhoon made landfall in the Philippians on 7th November.
98
What were the consequences of typhoon Haiyan?
The force of the high winds destroyed or damaged nearly every building in the area of Guiuan, which was the first location to be hit. Flooding from the storm surge caused huge damage to coastal areas. Most of the damage was on the islands of Samar and Leyte. There were reports of widespread flooding and landslides across the county. The city of Tacloban, on the island of Leyte, was severely damaged, with widespread destruction of buildings, trees uprooted, and roads and communications blocked for many days.
99
What were the social impacts of Typoon Haiyan?
More than 6000 people were confirmed dead, with many others missing. Power to the affected islands was cut off and many areas were isolated by debris or landslides, preventing aid from reaching them swiftly. Tens of thousands of people were made homeless. There were also reports of a loss of law and order as people panicked because of the lack of communication and support, but this was restored quickly once aid began to arrive.
100
What were the economic impacts of Typoon Haiyan?
The cost of the damage was estimated to be approximately US$2 billion. Transport across the islands was disrupted, making the provision of aid and support difficult. Foreign air agencies were able to provide support for the effort.m
101
What were the environmental impacts of Typhoon Haiyan?
Across the islands, coastal areas of mangroves were damaged and thousands of trees were uprooted. Several areas were evacuated because of chemical leaks from damaged industrial facilities. A tanker also ran aground, which caused oil spill.
102
In response to Typhoon Haiyan, seven provinces in the Philippians were placed under a 'state of national calamity' what did this allow the government to do?
This allowed the government to redirect funds to help address the problems created by the typhoon
103
Why was the relief effort slowed down in the Typhoon Haiyan?
Because of the damage to local infrastructure. With roads blocked and some local airports severely damaged, some areas remained isolated for days.
104
In the Typhoon Hayian, what did the infrastructure failure and contamination from sea water mean?
It meant that many people were without safe drinking water for a long time.
105
Because of Typhoon Haiyan, it was decided to try and evacuate as many people from the affected areas as possible, especially Tacloban. What was the problem with this?
Because there was no electricity in the area, the evacuations could only happen during daylight hours, which further slowed the rescue effort. This caused people to panic and rush at the evacuation planes. They had to be held back by police and military personnel. The focus of relief efforts on Tacloban city resulted in people in other affected areas feeling abandoned, because aid was reaching them even more slowly despite the fact they were also suffering huge devastation.
106
Describe drought
Drought is a hazard that can affect any area, regardless of its level of development. While the cause and the impact may vary from place to place, areas that are susceptible to drought share some similar characteristics.
107
What does arid mean?
A region with little or no precipitation
108
What do arid environment not suffer from drought?
Arid environments do not suffer from drought, as aridity (low precipitation) is already normal for the area. This is because they are located in regions which normally have high pressure. This is where dry air (with little or no moisture in it) defends towards the ground, such as we her Hadley and Ferrel cella meet. As the air is dry, clouds are unlikely to form and so the area will have low levels of precipitation through the year.
109
What is a key factor that can affect whether an area is likely to suffer from drought?
How it receives its precipitation. Countries such as the uk have rainfall throughout the year and do not rely on a particular 'rainy season'. Other parts of the world receive the majority of their annual precipitation during particular months, eg in the Sahel in central Africa and the 'monsoon' season in India. This makes these areas very vulnerable to drought. Drought results if changes in global circulation mean the rain are delayed or weaker than normal, they do not produce as much precipitation or may even fail compleatly.
110
Concerning drought, why is when the precipitation occurs a key issue?
If the 'rainy season' is during winter months, when there are lower temperatures and less intense sunlight, then water is absorbed by the soil with relative ease. The water is absorbed by the soil with relative ease. The water is stored underground and will be available during the drier months. However, if the majority of precipitation falls during the summer months, then water is not as easily absorbed by the soil. This is because the precipitation falls on soil that is likely to have baked hard by intense sunlight and therefore it is more difficult for the rain to soak in. There will also be higher rates of evaporation because of the higher temperatures and so water is more likely to evaporate away before it can soak in, reducing water supplies.
111
Describe how drought varies in severity
The UK is less susceptible to drought but can have drought conditions. Eg in 1995 drought conditions led to hose pipe bans and to reservoirs such as Haweswater in the Lake District drying up. These impacts are in stark contrast to those caused by drought conditions in areas such as the Sahel, where drought causes life-threatening conditions for many people.
112
What is meteorological drought?
Meteorological drought refers simply to the level of dryness in an area, that is, when an area receives less precipitation than normal. This is the most significant cause of drought across the planet.
113
An area can be classed as being in drought despite receiving more precipitation than an area not in drought. How is this possible.
It depends on how much precipitation is normal. This means that an arid area such as the great Australian desert would not be classed as being in drought because it's normal climatic conditions is that it receives a very low level of precipitation. However an area such as the Sahel, which has long periods of low precipitation and a rainy season that provides the majority of the annual rainfall, is much more vulnerable to drought as slight changes to circulation patterns can cause a rain season to fail or be delayed. This will mean that the area is at risk of drought as a result of only small meteorological variations.
114
Describe how atmospheric and oceanic control lots of the climatic patterns (so then impacts drought)
As our planets gets warmer, the temperatures of the ocean and atmosphere change and this affects where heat is redistributed to. Climate change is already having an impact on these processes, and in some parts of the world is leading to more frequent or more severe droughts.
115
How do jet streams have a limited impact on drought?
Jet streams can have a limited impact as they can cause weather systems, such as low pressure systems bringing rain, to be diverted from their usual path. This affects areas that rely on a rainy season. As the path of a jet stream is not constant, this can happen any time.
116
What is hydrological drought?
Hydrological drought refers specifically to the impact of low precipitation on a hydrological system (eg a river basin). While this will have the same cause as a meteorological drought, it is possible that the effects of the drought may not be obvious. Although the surface effects of drought may be noticeable straight away as the impact of ground water and reservoir levels may take more time to become obvious. A farmers may notice a loss of soil moisture quite quickly, but a water company may not feel the effect on its water supply from a reservoir for several months
117
As less water enters soil beaches of the lack of precipitation (meteorological drought) surface water, such as that in rivers, becomes difficult to access as levels drop. What will this then lead to?
This will lead to an over-reliance on groundwater and reservoirs
118
How can dams impact drought? (Human impact)
Dams are built on rivers to act as flood defences, to create reservoirs as stores of water for industrial, agricultural and recreational use, and also to provide electricity through hydroelectric power. However, restricting the flow of water in the river can lead to a drop in water levels further downstream. This can leave an area in drought as it no longer receives the same water as before the construction of the dam.
119
How can deforestation impact drought on a global scale? (Human factor)
Deforestation can also contribute to drought, and on different scales. On a global scale, removing trees results in less carbon dioxide being absorbed from the atmosphere, which in turn will lead to an increase in the greenhouse affect. This will cause global warming and climate change, which will result in changes to atmospheric and oceanic circulation.
120
How can deforestation impact drought on a regional scale? (Human factor)
Large tropical rainforests like the Amazon create their own weather systems. As well as evaporation from the ground, trees absorb rainwater through the soil and release water vapour back into the atmosphere through transpiration. As their water vapour cools, the water vapour condenses and falls daily as rain. The rising air creates low pressure, which in turn pulls moist air in from surrounding areas. Deforestation for timber, fuel and to create farmland is a serious threat to tropical rainforests. Without trees to intercept rainfall and return it to the atmosphere, the local water cycle is disrupted, the drop in pressure is reduced and there is less rainfall, sometimes leading to drought.
121
How does agriculture impact drought? (Human factor)
Agriculture can suffer because of drought, resulting in low yields, crop failures and loss of livestock. However, it can also contribute to drought when water is taken from wetter areas to irrigate agriculture in others, or pumped from rivers and groundwater. This may leave water supplies even lower and worsen the effects of drought.
122
What are the social impacts of drought?
Ill health amount the population caused by low supply or poor quality supply of water.
Depression and anxiety over economic impacts.
Safety risk as fires and dust storms are more likely.
Migration as people move away from affected areas, but doing so without adequate supplies for the journey.
123
What are the economic impacts of drought?
Industries, such as farming and forestry, unable to support jobs, leading to mass unemployment.
Water companies have to spend large amounts of money on new supplies and pipe systems, leading to higher bills for customers.
Food prices increase as farm production decreases, putting the poorest at risk of malnutrition.
Related industries (eg fishing) see a drop in income, possibly leading to job losses.
124
What are the environmental impacts of drought?
Wild animals suffer from a water loss.
Habitats, particularly river habitats, become damaged or lost.
Soil becomes dry and cracked so no longer supports plants.
Endangered species could become extinct.
Wildlife may migrate away from the area.
125
Describe where the California drought was in 2012
California is one of the wealthiest states in the USA and is famous for its major cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. It's location on the west coast of the continent, bordering the Pacific Ocean, has made it a popular destination for foreign and domestic tourists. With several large universities and industrial areas such as Silicon Valley, it's also a popular destination for study and work. However California suffers from frequent severe droughts. In January 2014, a state of emergency was declared by the state governor in response to a drought that had been affecting the sate for the previous few years. This meant that new laws and regulations could be put in place to help deal with the impact of the drought.
126
What was the cause of the California drought?
A period of lower than normal rainfall and snowfall across the western side of the USA caused a distinct drop in water supplies for California. But this was made worse by the fact that most of California's water comes from the Colorado river, which also provides water for 6 other states. Also states had been allowed to extract more water from the river that it receives, leading to a reduction in availability. Combined with a very high level of wastage and over-use, water was becoming a very scare commodity.
127
Describe how subsidence was a key effect of the California drought
As surface water flows decrease, water is increasingly extracted from ground water and aquifers to maintain supplies. This changes the structure of the land and can cause it to settle to a lower level. This can cause infrastructure and building damage in affected areas such as the San Joaquin Valley.
128
Describe some coastal areas (such as Santa Barba) are suffering from seawater intrusion as an impact of the California drought
Some coastal areas, such as the Santa Barbara, are suffer ending from seawater intrusion. This occurs when the natural groundwater flow, which is towards the sea, is reversed because of a lack of flow pressure. This means that groundwater supplies become contaminated with seawater, making them unusable or costly to use for domestic or agricultural purposes. So that water can be diverted for domestic of agricultural use, wetlands and rivers receive less water. Therefore, these environments suffer from the lack of water faster than other areas because the amount f water they receive is being reduced artificially as well as naturally. This will have an adverse effect on the birds and fish that rely on these environments to survive.
129
What had the California drought been accompanied and possibly caused by?
A period of very warm, windy weather across the state. This has also lead to the problem of wildfires. Warm windy weather dries out vegetation and makes it very easy for a fire to start, either naturally through a lightening strike for example, or by human activity, either deliberate or accidental. These fires spread very quickly because the vegetation is dry and the winds fan the flames and push them into new areas. Not only do fires themselves cause environmental damage and property at risk, ash and debris from the fires also gets into water supplies contaminating them. It can also block streams and rivers causing mudslides and flooding.
130
Describe how California's drought has had a significant impact on one of the worlds most productive farming regions
California is a major supplier of fruit, vegetables and fairy products to the USA. In a dry climate this is made possible by a huge network of irrigation pipelines and canals. Some farmers have adapted by taking land out of production or pumping groundwater from ever-deeper supplies. Other conserve irrigation water and focus on higher value crops. In 2015, California farms lost an estimated US$1.8 bn and 10,000 jobs because of the drought, with some increases in food prices. In addition, some farms are affected by saltwater contamination and wildfires.
131
How was California's power supplies affected by the drought?
Lower water levels reduce the output of its hydro-electric power stations. In addition, it thermal power stations require large amounts of cooling water. With a growing demand for energy, the state is looking for new sources, including renewable energy.
132
(California drought) since the state of emergency was declared, various state and national government departments, including the department of water resources, US Bureau of Reclamation and the state Water Resources Control Board, have introduced new measure to try and deal with the drought. What were these new measures?
Limiting flows during winter months to try and build up reserves for later in the year when demand is higher.
Warning some areas that they will be given limits on how much water they will receive because river levels are too low.
Reduce water supplies down to minimum for public health and safety.
Installing salinity control points in crucial areas to prevent seawater intrusion.
Running education and information programmes to encourage people to use as little water as possible.
Increased monitoring of some rivers to check on levels of endangered species and the effects of drought on them.
133
Describe Ethiopia (because of the drought in Ethiopia)
Ethiopia is a developing country in Eastern Africa. Since the 1980s, Ethiopia has suffered from multiple droughts across various areas of the country. This has led to famine and huge loss of life. The cycle of drought and famine is still continuing. The worst periods have been during 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014-2016.
134
What were the causes for the Ethiopia drought?
Ethiopia relies on two periods of rain throughout the year, one longer than the other. Since the 1980s, the short rain season has been getting shorter and more delayed. The long rain season has become equally unpredictable. A likely cause is the warming of the Indian Ocean, where rising air loses more moisture as rainfall. Dryer air moves westward and descends over east Africa, causing drought.
135
How does the Ethiopia drought impact farmers?
For farmers, more unreliable rains make planning very difficult. It is harder for them to know when to plant, and some types of crop they have used for generations no longer do well. For livestock farmers, when land becomes too dry to support vegetation, there is less food and water for their animals. People in rural areas also rely on local plants and trees for building materials, eg timber for their houses and grass for thatched roofs. Drought reduces their availability or increases their cost.
136
How does the effect of the Ethiopia drought on agriculture impact people?
As agriculture becomes more difficult across the country, reduced food supplies lead to increases in prices, particularly affecting the poorest and marginal people. This can lead to hunger and malnutrition and in the past has caused famine.
137
How does drought affect the water supplies? (Ethiopia drought)
Only 57% if Ethiopians have access to an improved water source - others rely on a natural source such as a spring, river or lake. When these dry up people have to walk many km to find water. This affects older people who can't make the journey, women and children who do make the journey. This prevents women working and keeps children out of school. Some people have no choice but to drink unsafe polluted water, with a risk of getting typhoid, dysentery, cholera, diphtheria etc. These can be fatal without medical care.
138
What are the impacts the drought have Ethiopia?
Drought has an impact on education, health and development in the country side. It's an important cause of migration from rural areas to cities.
139
what is live aid?
In the 1980s a large charity event called live aid was organised to make people aware of the crisis caused by the drought and to try and raise money for the people affected.
140
What do NGOs do for the Ethiopian drought?
NGOs from around the world like UNICEF and off am often work with Ethiopian experts in remote areas of the country to support those worst affected by the drought. As the cycle of droughts has continued, NGOs have been working to provide clean water, food and medical care for people affected. Longer term they help people become more resilient to drought in the future.
