2. The natural environment (3)
Resources |
Revision Questions |
Geography
Login to see all questions
Click on a question to view the answer
1.
Name four different instruments used to measure weather data and state what each instrument measures. Explain the importance of accurate data collection in weather forecasting.
Four instruments used to measure weather data are:
- Thermometer: Measures air temperature.
- Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure.
- Anemometer: Measures wind speed.
- Wind Vane: Indicates wind direction.
- Rain Gauge: Measures the amount of rainfall.
Accurate data collection is crucial for weather forecasting because it provides the foundation for creating weather models. These models use historical data and current observations to predict future weather conditions. Inaccurate data will lead to inaccurate forecasts, which can have significant consequences for agriculture, transportation, and public safety. Reliable data allows meteorologists to identify patterns and trends, improving the accuracy and reliability of their predictions.
2.
Compare and contrast the climate and vegetation of equatorial and hot desert regions. Consider the role of latitude in determining these differences.
Comparison: Both equatorial and hot desert regions exhibit extremes in their environmental conditions. Both are significantly influenced by latitude. Equatorial regions are located near the equator, receiving high solar radiation year-round, while hot deserts are typically found around 30° latitude north and south, where solar radiation is intense but rainfall is limited due to atmospheric circulation patterns.
Contrast: The key difference lies in the amount of rainfall. Equatorial regions receive abundant rainfall, leading to rainforest vegetation, while hot deserts receive very little rainfall, resulting in sparse and drought-tolerant vegetation. Temperature is consistently high in equatorial regions, whereas hot deserts experience significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. The vegetation in equatorial regions is highly diverse and complex, while the vegetation in hot deserts is relatively simple and specialized.
Role of Latitude: Latitude is crucial. The equator receives direct sunlight, leading to high temperatures and consistent rainfall. At 30° latitude, the descending air from the Hadley cells creates high pressure and inhibits rainfall, resulting in the formation of hot deserts. The trade winds play a role in both regions, but their effects are vastly different – bringing moisture to the equator and transporting dry air to the deserts.
3.
Describe the function of a radiosonde in weather forecasting. Include a list of the data it collects.
A radiosonde is a weather balloon equipped with instruments that are launched into the atmosphere. Its primary function is to collect data on atmospheric conditions at various altitudes. The radiosonde transmits this data back to a ground station via radio signals.
The data collected by a radiosonde typically includes:
Cell |
Temperature |
Humidity |
Pressure |
Wind Speed and Direction |
Altitude |
This data is invaluable for creating detailed vertical profiles of the atmosphere, which are essential for understanding atmospheric stability, predicting cloud formation, and forecasting precipitation.