Physical geography

• What are the main layers of the Earth?

  Crust, mantle, outer core, inner core
• What does the plate tectonic theory propose?

  Convection currents in the mantle move tectonic plates
• What mechanisms are recognized in plate tectonics?

  Slab pull and ridge push
• What is ridge push?

  New crust formed at divergent margins is less dense
• How does old seafloor affect tectonic plates?

  It slides away, moving tectonic plates apart
• Where are volcanoes primarily found?

  On destructive margins
• Where are earthquakes mainly found?

  On destructive margins and some conservative margins
• What happens at constructive plate margins?

  Magma forces its way to the surface
• What occurs at conservative plate margins?

  Plates move past each other, causing earthquakes
• What conditions are necessary for tropical storms to form?

  Warm ocean temperatures of 27°C or higher
• When do tropical storms typically form?

  In summer and autumn when temperatures peak
• How are tropical storms linked to global atmospheric circulation?

  They are driven by heat distribution from the Sun
• What role does the Coriolis effect play in tropical storms?

  It causes air to twist, essential for storms
• How might climate change affect tropical storms?

  Intensity may increase, frequency may decrease
• What is extreme weather?

  Weather significantly different from usual patterns
• Why is UK weather becoming more extreme?

  Due to climate change affecting atmospheric energy
• What is the role of the jet stream in extreme weather?

  It can become 'stuck', causing prolonged weather
• What is orbital forcing in climate change?

  Changes in Earth's orbit affecting solar radiation
• What are the three types of orbital forcing?

  Eccentricity, axial tilt, precession
• What is the Maunder Minimum?

  A period of low sunspot activity
• How does volcanic activity affect climate?

  Releases ash and aerosols causing temporary cooling
• What human activities contribute to climate change?

  Fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, agriculture
• What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

  Increased GHGs trap more heat in the atmosphere
• What are some physical effects of climate change?

  Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, sea level rise
• What evidence supports climate change?

  Instrumental records, proxy data, ice core analysis
• What does the summary of the enhanced greenhouse effect state?

  Human activities increase GHGs, causing warming
• What are some plant adaptations in tropical rainforests?

  Drip tips, buttress roots, epiphytes
• What are some animal adaptations in tropical rainforests?

  Camouflage, nocturnal behavior, bright colors
• What is the climate like in tropical rainforests?

  High and constant temperature, high humidity
• What causes the distinct wet season in tropical rainforests?

  Intense rainfall when equatorial low pressure is overhead
• How does global atmospheric circulation affect tropical rainforest climate?

  Creates low pressure, leading to heavy rainfall
• What is the role of humidity in tropical rainforests?

  High humidity leads to cloud formation and rain
• What adaptations do drip tip plants have?

  Pointy tips allow water to run off quickly
• What are buttress roots used for in tropical trees?

  Support large trees and absorb nutrients
• What are epiphytes in tropical rainforests?

  Plants that live on branches, absorbing air nutrients
• How do animals use camouflage in tropical rainforests?

  To blend into the environment and avoid predators
• Why are some animals nocturnal in tropical rainforests?

  To avoid predators and reduce competition
• What does bright coloration in some animals signify?

  Warning to predators about toxicity
• What causes intense rainfall in equatorial regions?

  When the equatorial low pressure zone is overhead
• What are the three plant adaptations in tropical rainforests?

  • Drip tips for quick water runoff
  • Buttress roots for support and nutrient absorption
  • Epiphytes that obtain nutrients from air and water