Hazardous Earth Key Words

• Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

  Narrow zone of low pressure near the equator where northern and southern air masses converge
• Define atmospheric circulation

  Movement of air around the earth due to pressure and temperature
• Define cyclone

  A rotating low pressure system that develop over tropical and sub-tropical oceans.
• Define Milankovitch Cycles

  A theory that describes the effects of the earths orbit around the sun on its climate
• Define greenhouse effect

  Heat from the sun is trapped in the earths atmosphere, heating the planet
• Define climate change

  A distinct change in global or regional patterns of climate such as precipitation (rainfall) and temperature
• Coriolis force


  A strong force created by the earths rotation. This can cause cyclones
• Social


  To do with the people; quality of life, health, education and culture
• Economic


  To do with money; employment, income and living standards
• Define developing country

  Countries with low human development. e.g. Malawi
• Define emerging country

  Countries with medium or high human development e.g. India
• Define developed country

  Countries with very high human development e.g. UK
• Define convergent plate boundary

  Plates are moving towards each other.
• Define divergent plate boundary

  Plates are moving away from each other. An example of this is the Mid Atlantic Ridge in Iceland
• Define conservative plate boundary

  Two plates slide past each other.

  An example is the San Andreas fault line.