paper 1 geography

• What is solar insolation?

  Sun's energy that varies with latitude
• Why is insolation more intense at the equator?

  Sun is directly overhead, hitting a smaller area
• How does land heat compared to the sea?

  Land heats quickly but cools quickly
• What happens to air above heated land in summer?

  It expands and rises, forming low pressure
• How does sunlight affect the sea's temperature?

  Some sunlight is reflected, some absorbed to 30m depth
• What creates wind?

  Air moves from high pressure to low pressure
• When does high pressure form over land in the Northern Hemisphere?

  In January
• When does low pressure form over land in the Northern Hemisphere?

  In July
• How does the Gulf Stream affect the UK climate?

  It heats the UK, making it warmer
• What happens to the North Atlantic Drift at Scotland?

  It cools and becomes the Labrador Current
• What is the result of cold, salty water in the North Atlantic?

  It sinks, creating a convection current
• What does the ITCZ represent?

  An area of low pressure that brings rain
• When does the ITCZ move north?

  In June, reaching the Tropic of Cancer
• How often does it rain at the equator?

  Twice a year
• What happens to air when it rises in the ITCZ?

  It cools and condenses, forming clouds
• What is the role of trade winds in the ITCZ?

  They blow from high to low pressure
• What happens during the Northern Hemisphere winter regarding Hadley cells?

  High pressure forms over the Tropic of Cancer
• What is the effect of the Ferrel Cell on rainfall?

  It brings high rainfall to the UK
• Why does the Sahara remain dry in winter?

  High pressure over Northern Africa
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  Gases trap heat from the sun in the atmosphere
• What is the main source of carbon dioxide emissions?

  Burning fossil fuels
• What percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen?

  78.1%
• What is the expected temperature rise by 2100?

  Between 1.1 °C and 6.4°C
• What is the impact of climate change on sea levels?

  Sea levels are rising due to thermal expansion
• What is a tropical cyclone?

  A rotating system of clouds and storms
• What wind speed classifies a tropical cyclone as a hurricane?

  Winds exceed 118 km/h
• What classification system does the USA use for hurricanes?

  The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
• What are the main gases in Earth's atmosphere and their percentages?

  • Nitrogen: 78.1%
  • Oxygen: 20.9%
  • Water vapour: 1%
  • Carbon dioxide: 0.03%
• What are the main causes of climate change in the past?

  • Eruption theory: volcanic eruptions release ash and gases
  • Asteroid collisions: large impacts cool the climate
  • Sunspot theory: sunspot activity affects solar energy
  • Orbital theory: Milankovitch cycles influence sunlight distribution
• What are the methods used to study past climates?

  • Ice cores: analyze trapped air bubbles
  • Tree rings: assess growth patterns
  • Historical sources: examine old records and observations
• What are the impacts of climate change?

  • More frequent floods, droughts, heatwaves
  • Stronger storms and hurricanes
  • Changes to farming practices
  • Climate refugees from uninhabitable areas
• What are the classifications of tropical cyclones?

  • Hurricanes: North Atlantic and USA
  • Typhoons: North Pacific (Japan area)
  • Cyclones: Indian and South Pacific Oceans
• What are the effects of greenhouse gases on climate?

  • Enhance the greenhouse effect
  • Lead to global warming
  • Increase average global temperatures
• What are the concerns regarding greenhouse gas emissions?

  • Difficulty in reducing emissions in developed countries
  • Ethical concerns in developing countries
  • Need to protect vulnerable populations
• What are the expected changes in global temperatures and sea levels by 2100?

  • Temperature rise: 1.1°C to 6.4°C
  • Sea level rise: 30cm to 100cm
• What are the characteristics of the Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells?

  • Hadley cells: low pressure, tropical regions
  • Ferrel cells: mid-latitudes, high pressure
  • Polar cells: high pressure, polar regions
• What is the significance of the ITCZ in global circulation?

  • Area of low pressure that brings rain
  • Follows the sun's seasonal movement
  • Influences rainfall patterns globally
• What are the effects of volcanic eruptions on climate?

  • Release ash and gases into the stratosphere
  • Reflect sunlight, lowering global temperatures
  • Temporary climate effects lasting a few years
• What changes do farmers need to make due to climate change?

  Adapt to a warmer climate
• What are 'climate refugees'?

  People forced to evacuate due to uninhabitable conditions