HIGHER GEOGRAPHY PHYSICAL CORE ATMOSPHERE
THE ATMOSPHERE
By the end of this topic you should be able to: Ø explain with the aid of an annotated diagram, why Tropical latitudes receive more of the sun’s energy than Polar regions explain why there is a net gain of solar region in the Tropical latitudes and a net loss towards Ø the poles Ø describe the role of atmospheric circulation in the redistribution of energy over the globe Ø describe and explain the earth’s energy exchanges shown on a diagram Ø describe the factors which affect the amount of sunlight reflected from the earth’s surface Ø describe and account for the generalised pattern of atmospheric circulation and global winds, or ocean currents shown on a world map Ø describe the variations in world temperature for the last 100 years (shown eg. on a graph) and suggest both physical and human reasons for these variations Ø describe and explain the origin, nature and weather characteristics of Tropical Maritime ( mT) and Tropical Continental ( cT) air masses which affect West Africa Ø with reference to the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone and the movement of air masses, describe and account for the variations in West African rainfall.
OCEAN CURRENTS
This circulation is known as a 4 forces: solar heating surface winds Coriolis effect and surface winds result in a clockwise circulation of water in the Northern hemisphere. This circulation is known as a GYRE.
OCEAN CURRENTS IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC 1 NORTH EQUATORIAL CURRENT 90º Pole 2 4 GULF STREAM 5 3 NORTH ATLANTIC DRIFT 3 4 NORTH ATLANTIC DRIFT 6 2 5 LABRADOR CURRENT 1 6 CANARIES CURRENT 0º Equator
End of Part 5