1. describe and interpret climate maps, diagrams and graphs
GMTs Ø
describe and interpret climate maps, diagrams and graphs Ø
construct and analyse climate graphs Ø
describe and explain climate graphs Ø
comment on the accuracy of statements which describe climate patterns
shown on maps etc.

2. THE
ATMOSPHERE
ATMOSPHERE VIDEO

3. HIGHER GEOGRAPHY
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
ATMOSPHERE

4. 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.

5. ATMOSPHERIC GASES
Nitrogen - 78%
Oxygen - 21%
Carbon dioxide % …...and rising!!
Water vapour - variable - up to 4% over tropical oceans.
(as humidity increases the relative amounts of other
gases decrease).

6. Troposphere = main zone
of weather and climate.
lapse rate
= decrease in temperature
with altitude
= 6.4ºC for every
1000metres

7. ACTIVITIES PUT THE HEADING: ‘THE STRUCTURE OF EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE’
READ PAGE 4 AND 5 IN THE TEXTBOOK
COMPLETE QUESTION 1 AND 2 ON PAGE 32
MAKE A COPY OF FIGURE 2.1 ON PAGE 5

8. Mt Everest (8800metres)
Calculate the difference in temperature between sea level
and the summit of the mountain.