THEME 2 GEOGRAPHY

FLASHCARDS

• What is a volcano?

  A volcano is formed when magma erupts onto the Earth's surface as lava through a vent in the Earth's crust.

• Define the term magma.

  Magma is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface.

• What does VEI stand for?

  VEI stands for Volcanic Explosivity Index.

• True or False?

  The highest recorded VEI in human history was a 9.

  False.

  The highest recorded VEI in human history was an 8 (Tambora 1815).

• What is the difference between composite and shield volcanoes?

  Composite volcanoes have steep sides and sticky lava, while shield volcanoes have gently sloping sides and runny lava.

• Define the term dormant volcano.

  A dormant volcano has not erupted for many years but there is evidence of a magma reservoir

• What is a lahar?

  A lahar is a fast-moving mudflow created when snow and ice on a volcano's peak melts and combines with ash during an eruption.

• True or False?

  Pyroclastic flows can move at speeds up to 700 km/h.

  True.

  Pyroclastic flows can move at speeds up to 700 km/h.

• What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

  The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

• What scale is used to measure earthquake magnitude?

  The Moment Magnitude Scale is used to measure earthquake magnitude. The Richter scale has also been used to measure magnitude.

• What is the Ring of Fire?

  The Ring of Fire is the area around the rim of the Pacific Ocean where approximately 90% of earthquakes and 75% of active volcanoes occur.

• True or False?

  Earthquakes only occur at convergent plate boundaries.

  False.

  Earthquakes occur at all types of plate boundaries.

• What is a hotspot?

  A hotspot is a plume/column of magma which escapes through the Earth's crust away from plate boundaries.

• What percentage of active volcanoes are located around the Pacific Ring of Fire?

  Approximately 75% of active volcanoes are located around the Pacific Ring of Fire.

• True or False?

  Most volcanoes occur at divergent and convergent plate boundaries.

  True.

  Most volcanoes occur at divergent and convergent plate boundaries.

• What is the general pattern of earthquake distribution?

  The general pattern of earthquake distribution is that they mostly occur along plate boundaries, with the majority along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

• Define the term plate boundary.

  A plate boundary is where two tectonic plates meet.

• What is the relationship between volcano distribution and plate boundaries?

  Most volcanoes occur at divergent and convergent plate boundaries, with some occurring at hotspots away from boundaries.

• True or False?

  Volcanoes never occur away from plate boundaries.

  False.

  Volcanoes can occur at hotspots away from plate boundaries.

• What are the four main layers of the Earth?

  The four main layers of the Earth are the:

  • Crust.

  • Mantle.

  • Outer core.

  • Inner core.

• Define the term continental crust.

  Continental crust is thick (25-90 km), old, and less dense than oceanic crust.

• What causes the movement of the tectonic plates?

  Tectonic plates move in part because of convection currents in the mantle.

• What are the four main plate boundaries?

  The four main types of plate boundaries are divergent (constructive), convergent (destructive), collision, and transform (conservative).

• True or False?

  Volcanoes occur at all types of plate boundary.

  False.

  Volcanoes do not occur at collision boundaries or transform (conservative) boundaries.

• What happens at a divergent plate boundary?

  At a divergent plate boundary, the plates are moving apart, allowing magma to rise and form new crust

• Define the term subduction.

  Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another at a convergent plate boundary.

• What causes volcanoes at hot spots?

  At a hot spot, a plume of magma rises to the surface through cracks in the crust as the tectonic plate moves over it.

• True or False?

  Earthquakes only occur at plate boundaries.

  False.

  Earthquakes can occur anywhere but mostly occur at or near plate boundaries.

• What type of plate boundary typically produces stronger earthquakes?

  Convergent (destructive), collision, and transform (conservative) plate boundaries typically produce stronger earthquakes.

• What is the difference between primary and secondary hazards?

  The difference is that primary hazards are direct results of an earthquake or eruption, while secondary hazards occur as a result of the primary effects.

• Define the term liquefaction.

  Liquefaction is the process where soil behaves like a liquid due to stress such as earthquake shaking.

• True or False?

  Building construction has no impact on the amount of earthquake damage.

  False.

  Building construction and design significantly affect the impact of earthquakes.

• What factors affect the impact of volcanic eruptions?

  Factors affecting volcanic eruption impacts include:

  • Proximity of population.

  • Planning and preparation.

  • Magnitude of the eruption.

  • Type of volcano.

  • Amount of ash ejected.

• Define the term pyroclastic flow.

  A pyroclastic flow is a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter that flows along the ground during some volcanic eruptions.

• What are the common long-term effects of both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?

  Common long-term impacts of volcanoes and earthquakes include:

  • Collapse or destruction of buildings.

  • Transport network damage.

  • Loss of jobs and businesses.

  • Loss of crops.

  • Power and water supply damaged.

  • Damage to the environment.

• True or False?

  Ash from volcanic eruptions only affects the immediate area around the volcano.

  False.

  Ash from volcanic eruptions can affect areas hundreds of kilometres away and impact global climate.

• What is the potential impact of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on air travel?

  Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can lead to closure of airports and cancellation of flights, particularly due to ash clouds from eruptions.

• Define the term surface rupture.

  Surface rupture is the breaking and displacement of the ground surface along a fault during an earthquake.

• How might distance from the epicentre affect the impact of an earthquake?

  The closer somewhere is to the epicentre the stronger the shock waves will be which can mean there will be more impact.

• How many people are estimated to live in tectonically active areas by 2025?

  It is estimated that 600 million people will live in tectonically active areas by 2025.

• What is geothermal energy?

  Geothermal energy is heat from the Earth that can be used to generate power, often in volcanic areas where magma is closer to the surface.

• True or False?

  Living near volcanoes only presents hazards and no opportunities.

  False.

  Living near volcanoes presents both hazards and opportunities, such as fertile soil and tourism.

• What opportunity does volcanic ash provide for agriculture?

  Volcanic ash creates fertile soils rich in minerals, leading to high crop yields.

• Define the term resilience in the context of earthquake-prone communities.

  Resilience is the ability of communities in earthquake-prone areas to prepare for, respond to, and recover from seismic events.

• What economic opportunities are associated with volcanic areas?

  Volcanic areas provide economic opportunities in several ways:

  • Jobs in tourism.

  • High yields of crops.

  • Geothermal energy.

  • Minerals and precious stones.

• True or False?

  All people living in earthquake zones choose to do so because of the benefits.

  False.

  Some people have little choice but to live in earthquake zones due to limited financial resources, despite the risks.

• What is a potential benefit of living in earthquake zones related to research?

  Living in earthquake zones can lead to research and innovation in earthquake prediction, early warning systems, and building strength.

• What is the difference between short-term and long-term responses to natural hazards?

  Short-term responses happen immediately after an event and include aid and disaster relief, while long-term responses aim to reduce the impact of future events and include risk assessments and hazard mapping.

• What is a tiltmeter?

  A tiltmeter is a device used to monitor ground slope changes as part of earthquake prediction efforts.

• What is cross-bracing in building design?

  Cross-bracing is a technique used in earthquake-resistant building design where diagonal supports are added to steel frames to increase stability.

• True or False?

  Accurate prediction of earthquakes is currently possible.

  False.

  Accurate prediction of earthquakes is not currently possible, but monitoring is ongoing.

• What is the purpose of earthquake drills?

  Earthquake drills help people prepare for what to do in an earthquake to protect themselves.

• What is the role of remote sensing in volcano and earthquake monitoring?

  Remote sensing, such as satellite imagery, provides data about changes in ground movement to help monitor volcanic and seismic activity.

• True or False?

  Land use planning has no impact on reducing earthquake and volcano hazards.

  False.

  Land use planning is crucial in reducing hazards by ensuring valuable services are not built in high-risk areas.

• What is the purpose of automatic cut-offs for gas and electricity in earthquake-prone areas?

  Automatic cut-offs for gas and electricity help prevent fires and explosions that could occur due to damaged utility lines during an earthquake.

• Define the term seismic retrofitting.

  Seismic retrofitting is the modification of existing structures to make them more resistant to seismic activity, ground motion, or soil failure due to earthquakes.

• GIve one long-term response to the Nepal earthquake.

  There were several long-term responses to the Nepal earthquake including:

  • Landslides being cleared and roads repaired to restore access to remote rural communities.

  • Schools were rebuilt.

  • Earthquake drills were introduced.

  • Stricter building codes with more enforcement.

  • $200 million was provided by the Asian Development Bank for rebuilding.

  • A new government task force was set up to plan for future earthquake events. 

• How many people died in the Nepal earthquake?

  There were approximately 9 000 people killed in the Nepal earthquake.

• True or False?

  Over 6 000 people were evacuated as a result of the Cumbre Viejo volcano eruption.

  True.

  Over 6 000 people were evacuated as a result of the Cumbre Viejo volcano eruption.

• What percentage of water on Earth is freshwater?

  Approximately 2.5% of water on Earth is freshwater

• Define the term hydrological cycle.

  The hydrological cycle is a closed system where water is constantly recycled through stores and transfers

• True or False?

  The hydrological cycle is an open system.

  False.

  The hydrological cycle is a closed system.

• What is an aquifer?

  An aquifer is a permeable rock such as limestone or sandstone which can hold water

• Define the term evapotranspiration.

  Evapotranspiration is the combined process of evaporation from the Earth's surface and transpiration from vegetation.

• What is the difference between infiltration and percolation?

  Infiltration is water moving from the surface into the soil, while percolation is water moving through the soil after infiltration

• True or False?

  Overland flow occurs under the surface of the land.

  False.

  Overland flow occurs on the surface of the land.

• What is interception?

  Interception is how precipitation is prevented from reaching the ground, usually by being caught on leaves or branches

• Define the term groundwater flow.

  Groundwater flow is the movement of water through rocks.

• What is through flow?

  Through flow is the lateral movement of water within the soil.

• What is a drainage basin?

  A drainage basin is an open system that drains all the water which lands on the Earth's surface. Every drainage basin is covered by a network of tributaries which connect to a main river channel.

• Define the term watershed.

  A watershed is the boundary between two drainage basins.

• What is a confluence?

  A confluence is where two rivers or streams join together.

• True or False?

  Every drainage basin is unique.

  True.

  Every drainage basin is unique.

• What is a tributary?

  A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger stream or main river.

• Define the term drainage density.

  Drainage density refers to the number of tributaries in a drainage basin. To calculate the drainage density the area of drainage basin is divided by the number of tributaries.

• True or False?

  Drainage basins with lots of tributaries have a low drainage density.

  False.

  Drainage basins with lots of tributaries have a high drainage density.

• What is the mouth of a river?

  The mouth of a river is where the river enters the sea/lake.

• What are the four types of erosion in rivers?

  The four types of erosion in rivers are:

  • Hydraulic action.

  • Abrasion.

  • Attrition.

  • Corrosion (solution).

• Define the term hydraulic action.

  Hydraulic action is the erosion process where the force of water wears away the bed and banks of a river.

• What is abrasion?

  Abrasion is the erosion process where material carried by the river grinds the bed and banks.

• True or False?

  Lateral erosion is dominant in the upper course of rivers.

  False.

  Vertical erosion is dominant in the upper course of rivers.

• What are the four processes of transportation in rivers?

  The four processes of transportation in rivers are:

  • Traction.

  • Saltation.

  • Suspension.

  • Solution.

• Define the term traction.

  Traction is the transport of large particles along the river bed.

• Which type of transportation involves material bouncing along the river bed?

  Saltation is the form of transportation which involves material bouncing along the river bed.

• True or False?

  Deposition occurs when a river has excess energy.

  False.

  Deposition occurs when a river does not have enough energy to carry materials.

• What is the Bradshaw model?

  The Bradshaw model summarises the changes in river characteristics as it moves downstream.

• Define the term bedload.

  Bedload is the heaviest material carried by a river, typically along the river bed.

• Name two upland river landforms?

  Upland river landforms include:

  • Waterfalls.

  • Gorges.

  • V-shaped valleys.

  • Interlocking spurs.

• Define the term plunge pool.

  A plunge pool is a deep pool at the base of a waterfall formed by hydraulic action and abrasion.

• True or False?

  V-shaped valleys are formed by lateral erosion.

  False.

  V-shaped valleys are formed by vertical erosion.

• What are interlocking spurs?

  Interlocking spurs are alternating ridges of land that project into a river valley in upland areas.

• Define the term meander.

  A meander is a bend in the course of a river.

• True or False?

  Waterfalls often form where soft rock overlies hard rock.

  False.

  Waterfalls often form where hard rock overlies soft rock.

• How do oxbow lakes form?

  Oxbow lakes form when a meander is cut off from the main river channel during a flood.

• What is a floodplain?

  A floodplain is a flat expanse of land on either side of a river formed by the migration of meanders and the deposition of silt during floods.

• True or False?

  Levées are formed by erosion and transportation.

  A levée is a natural embankment formed by deposition of sediment along a river's banks.

• What is a delta?

  A delta is a landform formed when a river flows into a standing body of water and deposits sediment.

• What are the two main river hazards?

  The two main river hazards are flooding and erosion.

• Define the term bankfull discharge.

  Bankfull discharge is when the water in a river reaches the top of its banks.

• What are two main natural causes of river flooding?

  Two main natural causes of river flooding are heavy torrential rain and prolonged steady rain.

• True or False?

  Human activities can increase the risk of flooding.

  True.

  Human activities can increase the risk of flooding.

• What is urbanisation?

  Urbanisation is the process of land becoming more urban, often resulting in increased impermeable surfaces.

• Name three hazards of flooding.

  There are a range of hazards related to flooding including:

  • The spread of water-related diseases.

  • Deaths and injuries.

  • Damage to infrastructure.

  • Erosion of river banks.

  • Destruction of crops.

• Name three opportunities provided by rivers.

  Opportunities provided by rivers include:

  • Fertile soil for agriculture.

  • Water for irrigation.

  • Transport routes.

  • Leisure and tourism.

  • Electricity generation.

  • Food.

  • Flat land for ease of construction.

• True or False?

  Flood waters increase the risk of water related diseases.

  True.

  Flood waters increase the risk of water related diseases. The water may act as a breeding ground for the animals that spread disease for example, the mosquito. The water may be contaminated by bacteria which can spread diseases such as cholera

• True or False?

  Flooding leads to a decrease in erosion of the banks of rivers.

  False.

  Flooding leads to a increase in erosion of the banks of rivers due to increased discharge and velocity.

• What is a flood hydrograph?

  A flood hydrograph is a graph showing changes in river discharge after a storm event.

• Define the term lag time.

  Lag time is the time taken for precipitation to reach the river from where it falls.

• True or False?

  Rivers with a long lag time have a higher flood risk.

  False.

  Rivers with a short lag time have a higher flood risk

• What are the two main categories of flood management?

  The two main categories of flood management are hard engineering and soft engineering.

• Define the term hard engineering.

  Hard engineering involves building structures or changing the river channel to manage floods.

• Name three examples of hard engineering.

  Examples of hard engineering include:

  • Dams and reservoirs.

  • Embankments or levées.

  • Straightened channels.

  • Flood relief channels.

  • Spillways or overflow channels.

• What is river restoration?

  River restoration is a soft engineering technique that supports the river by restoring it back to its original regime.

• Define the term flood plain zoning.

  Flood plain zoning is a soft engineering technique that restricts certain land uses on the flood plain to reduce risk.

• True or False?

  Dredging rivers always reduces flood risk.

  False.

  Dredging rivers can increase flood risk by requiring concrete reinforcement of banks

• What were the main features of the Flood Action Plan (FAP) in Bangladesh?

  The main features of the Flood Action Plan (FAP) in Bangladesh included:

  • Monitoring of flood levels.

  • Construction of levées/embankments.

  • Building 5 000 flood shelters.

  • Creating flood water storage systems.

  • A more effective flood warning system.

  • Building of dams to store water.

  • Reducing deforestation.
    

• True or False?

  The coastline is the edge of the land marked by the low-water mark on a low-lying coast.

  False.

  The coastline is the edge of the land marked by the high water mark on a low-lying coast or at the foot of steep, sloped coasts.

• Define the term fetch.

  The fetch is the distance the wind travels over water.

• What does swash mean?

  The swash is the movement of water up the beach.

• State the meaning of backwash.

  Backwash is the return movement of water down the beach.

• What is a constructive wave?

  A constructive wave is a beach-building wave with a long wavelength, a low frequency rate, and a shallow wave gradient. Its swash is stronger than its backwash.

• What is the definition of hydraulic action?

  Hydraulic action is the erosive force of water as it hits the coastline, compressing air in cracks, which explode and break off rock fragments.

• Define attrition.

  Attrition is the process where rocks and pebbles carried by waves collide with each other and the shoreline, causing them to break and become smoother.

• How is the tidal range calculated?

  The tidal range is calculated by finding the difference between high and low tide.

• What is corrosion in relation to coastal processes?

  Corrosion is the chemical erosion and dissolving of rocks by seawater.

• True or False?

  Longshore drift moves material along the coast in a straight line.

  False.

  Longshore drift moves material along the coast in a zig-zag pattern.

• What is a berm?

  A berm is a ridge of sand and shingle formed at the top of a beach by storm waves.

• Define wave refraction.

  Wave refraction is the bending of waves as they approach the shore at an angle, causing them to become more parallel to the coastline.

• What is a wave-cut platform?

  A wave-cut platform is a flat or gently sloping surface formed by wave erosion at the base of a sea cliff.

• Define the term headland.

  A headland is a high point of land that projects out into the sea, usually made of more resistant rock.

• True or False?

  Bays are formed in areas of more resistant rock.

  False.

  Bays are formed in areas of less resistant rock that erode more quickly than the surrounding harder rock.

• What does a discordant coastline mean?

  A discordant coastline is where bands of different rock types run perpendicular to the coast.

• State the meaning of stack.

  A stack is an isolated pillar of rock standing in the sea, formed when a sea arch collapses.

• What is a spit?

  A spit is a depositional feature with a long, narrow build-up of sand or shingle projecting from the land into the sea, often with a curved or hooked end.

• Define tombolo.

  A tombolo is a bar of sand or shingle linking an island to the mainland or another island.

• What is the definition of a lagoon?

  A lagoon is a shallow body of water that has a sand bar, coral reef, or other barrier separating it from the sea.

• True or False?

  Sand dunes are only found in desert environments.

  False.

  Sand dunes can also form in coastal areas where there is a supply of sand and onshore winds.

• What is a barrier island?

  A barrier island is a long, narrow island of sand parallel to the mainland coast, separated from it by a lagoon or bay.

• Define succession in the context of sand dunes.

  Succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time as different plants colonise a sand dune environment.

• What are the pioneer species in sand-dune ecosystems?

  Pioneer species are the first plants to colonise a new sand dune environment, such as marram grass, which can tolerate harsh coastal conditions.

• What is a coral polyp?

  A coral polyp is a small, soft-bodied organism that secretes a hard, protective limestone skeleton, which forms the structure of coral reefs.

• Define the term zooxanthellae.

  Zooxanthellae are microscopic algae that live symbiotically within coral tissues, providing food through photosynthesis and contributing to coral colour.

• True or False?

  Coral reefs grow in water temperatures below 18 °C.

  False.

  Coral reefs cannot tolerate water temperatures below 18°C and grow best at 22°C–25°C.

• What is a fringing reef?

  A fringing reef is a coral reef that grows close to and parallel to the shoreline of an island or continent.

• State the meaning of a barrier reef.

  A barrier reef is a coral reef separated from a mainland or island shore by a deep lagoon.

• What is an atoll?

  An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets enclosing a lagoon.

• Define the word halophyte.

  A halophyte is a salt-tolerant plant that grows in soil or waters of high salinity.

• What is the definition of a salt marsh?

  A salt marsh is a coastal ecosystem in the upper coastal intertidal zone between land and open salt water or brackish water that is regularly flooded by the tides.

• True or False?

  Mangroves are found only in tropical waters.

  False.

  While mainly found in tropical waters, some mangroves have adapted to more temperate conditions.

• What are prop roots?

  Prop roots are specialised aerial roots that grow from the trunk and branches of some mangrove trees, helping to support the tree in soft sediments.

• Define the intertidal zone.

  The intertidal zone is the area that is above water at low tide and under water at high tide.

• What are snorkel roots?

  Snorkel roots are specialised roots in some mangrove species that stick out of the mud to help the tree take in air in oxygen-poor soils.

• What is a storm surge?

  A storm surge is a rapid rise in sea level caused by really low-pressure storms.

• Define the term storm tide.

  A storm tide is a combination of high tide and low-pressure storm.

• True or False?

  Tsunamis are caused by high winds.

  False.

  Tsunamis are large sea waves due to underwater earthquakes.

• What is a king tide ?

  A king tide is an exceptionally high tide that occurs when the gravitational pull of the sun and moon align.

• State the meaning of coastal squeeze.

  Coastal squeeze is the loss of coastal habitats due to rising sea levels and human-made coastal defences preventing natural landward migration.

• What is a hurricane?

  A hurricane is a type of tropical storm that forms in the tropical North Atlantic Ocean and Northeast Pacific.

• True or False?

  Tropical storms only form in the northern hemisphere.

  False.

  Tropical storms form in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

• What is a submergent coastline?

  A submergent coastline is a coastline that has experienced a relative rise in sea level, leading to flooding of former land areas.

• Define an emergent coastline.

  An emergent coastline is a coastline that has experienced a relative fall in sea level, exposing former sea floor.

• What is coastal erosion?

  Coastal erosion is the wearing away of land and the removal of beach or dune sediments by wave action, tidal currents, wave currents, drainage, or high winds.

• What is Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)?

  Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is an approach that aims to use a combination of methods to best reflect all stakeholders' needs in coastal management.

• Define soft engineering.

  Soft engineering is a coastal management approach that works with natural processes rather than against them, usually cheaper and less damaging to the appearance of the coast.

• True or False?

  Hard engineering is always more effective than soft engineering.

  False.

  While hard engineering can be more effective in some cases, it is not always more effective than soft engineering and can have negative impacts.

• What does beach replenishment mean?

  Beach replenishment is the process of pumping or dumping sand and shingle back onto a beach to replace eroded material.

• State the meaning of managed retreat.

  Managed retreat is a coastal management strategy where existing coastal defences are abandoned, allowing the sea to flood inland until it reaches higher land or a new line of defences.

• What is a sea wall?

  A sea wall is a hard-engineered structure, usually made of concrete and curved outward to deflect the power of waves.

• What are groynes?

  Groynes are wooden, rock or steel structures built at right angles to the shore. They trap beach material and prevent it being moved by longshore drift.

• What are gabions?

  Gabions are wire cages filled with stone, concrete, or sand and used for coastal protection.

• True or False?

  Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) only focus on preventing coastal erosion.

  False.

  Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) set out approaches to managing a coastline from both flooding and erosional risk.

• What is hold the line in coastal management?

  Hold the line is a coastal management approach where defences are built and maintained to keep the current position of the shoreline the same.

• Define advance the line.

  Advance the line is a coastal management strategy that involves building new defences to extend the existing shoreline, often through land reclamation.

• What is do nothing in coastal management?

  Do nothing is a coastal management approach where no investment is made in protecting the coastline or defending against flooding, regardless of any previous intervention.

• What is a Stevenson screen?

  A Stevenson screen is a wooden box used to house meteorological instruments, painted white and standing on four legs at a height of 121 cm.

• True or False?

  The rain gauge must be placed in an open space.

  True.

  The rain gauge must be placed in an open space with a distance from the nearest object twice its height.

• Define the term anemometer.

  An anemometer is an instrument used to measure wind speed, consisting of rotating cups on a vertical shaft.

• What does relative humidity mean?

  Relative humidity is a measure of how much water vapour the air is holding in relation to the maximum amount it could hold at a specific temperature.

• How is the mean daily temperature calculated?

  The mean daily temperature is calculated as follows:

• What is a hygrometer?

  A hygrometer is an instrument used to measure humidity, consisting of wet and dry bulb thermometers.

• True or False?

  Warm air can hold less water vapour than cold air.

  False.

  Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air.

• Define the term isobars.

  Isobars are lines on a map joining places with equal air pressure.

• What is an okta?

  An okta is a unit of measurement for cloud cover, representing one-eighth of the sky.

• State the meaning of precipitation.

  Precipitation is any form of water that falls to Earth, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

• What is a barometer?

  A barometer is an instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.

• What is the Campbell-Stokes recorder?

  A Campbell-Stokes recorder is an instrument used to measure sunshine hours. It consists of a glass sphere that focuses sunlight to burn a trace on a special recording card.

• True or False?

  Annual rainfall is always measured in centimetres.

  False.

  Annual rainfall is always measured in millimetres (mm).

• Define the term diurnal temperature range.

  Diurnal temperature range is the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures recorded in a 24-hour period.

• What is the prevailing wind?

  The prevailing wind is the direction the wind most frequently comes from.

• True or False?

  High-pressure systems always have a central pressure above 1013 millibar (mb).

  False.

  High-pressure systems are areas surrounded by low pressures, even if 1013 millibar (mb) is not reached.

• Define anticyclone.

  An anticyclone is an area of high atmospheric pressure where winds tend to blow clockwise (in the Northern Hemisphere) and the weather is generally settled.

• What is a depression in meteorology?

  A depression in meteorology is an area of low atmospheric pressure, often associated with unsettled weather and precipitation.

• How is the mean monthly temperature calculated?

  The mean monthly temperature is calculated as follows:

• What does the dominant wind mean?

  The dominant wind is the wind direction that gives the strongest winds in a given location.

• Define wind barbs.

  Wind barbs are symbols used on weather maps to show both wind direction and speed.

• True or False?

  Relative humidity increases as temperature rises if the amount of water vapour remains constant.

  False.

  Relative humidity decreases as temperature rises if the amount of water vapor remains constant.

• What is a climate graph?

  A climate graph is a graphical representation showing mean monthly temperatures and precipitation rates over a 30-year period.

• True or False?

  In a climate graph, precipitation is shown as a line graph.

  False.

  In a climate graph, precipitation is always shown as a bar graph, while temperature is shown as a line graph.

• Define the term isohyet.

  An isohyet is a line on a map joining places with the same amount of rainfall.

• What does a dispersion graph show?

  A dispersion graph shows the spread or grouping of data and can be used to compare sets of data or illustrate statistical values like mean, median, and extreme values.

• State the meaning of a wind rose.

  A wind rose is a diagram showing the direction and frequency of winds at a specific location.

• What is a synoptic chart?

  A synoptic chart is a weather map that displays meteorological data from multiple stations, showing information such as wind speed, direction, pressure patterns, and weather fronts.

• True or False?

  Wind barbs always point in the direction the wind is blowing towards.

  False.

  Wind barbs point to the direction the wind is coming from, not where it's blowing towards.

• Define isotherm.

  An isotherm is a line on a map joining places with the same temperature.

• What is a choropleth isoline map?

  A choropleth isoline map is a map where areas between isolines are shaded progressively from light to dark, with the darkest shading representing the largest value.

• How is the average monthly rainfall calculated?

  The average monthly rainfall is calculated as follows:

• What does a flag symbol represent on a wind barb?

  A flag symbol on a wind barb represents a wind speed of 50 knots.

• True or False?

  The southern hemisphere's seasons are the same as the northern hemisphere's.

  False.

  The southern hemisphere's seasons are reversed compared to the northern hemisphere.

Define the term latitude?

Latitude is the distance north or south of the earth's equator, measured in degrees.

• True or False?

  Increases in altitude lead to increases in temperature.

  False.

  Increases in altitude lead to decreases in temperature.

• Define the term continentality.

  Continentality is the extent to which a location is affected by being in the interior of a continent, typically resulting in greater temperature extremes.

• What is the average annual precipitation in an equatorial climate?

  The average annual precipitation in an equatorial climate is over 2 000 mm.

• What is the temperature range in an equatorial climate?

  The temperature range in an equatorial climate is low, with mean monthly temperatures between 26 and 28 °C.

• Define the term trade winds.

  Trade winds are the prevailing pattern of easterly surface winds found in the tropics, blowing towards the equatorial region from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere.

• What is the average annual precipitation in a hot desert climate?

  The average annual precipitation in a hot desert climate is below 250 mm.

• True or False?

  Hot deserts have high humidity.

  False.

  Hot deserts have low humidity, often between 10 and 30%.

• What causes the formation of hot deserts between 15° and 30° north and south of the equator?

  Hot deserts form between 15 and 30° north and south of the equator as a result of atmospheric pressure systems, specifically zones of high pressure where air is descending.

• Define the term insolation.

  Insolation is incoming solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface.

• Where is the tropical rainforest biome mainly found?

  The tropical rainforest biome is mainly found in a band between 15° north and 15° south of the equator within the equatorial climate zone.

• What percentage of the Earth's surface is tropical rainforest?

  Tropical rainforests cover approximately 6% of the Earth's surface.

• Define the term biodiversity.

  Biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

• What are the five distinct layers of a tropical rainforest?

  The five distinct layers of a tropical rainforest are the:

  • Ground layer.

  • Shrub layer.

  • Under canopy.

  • Canopy.

  • Emergents.

• What is a drip tip?

  A drip tip is a pointed leaf that allows water to run off quickly, reducing the risk of fungal growth and leaf damage in wet environments.

• True or False?

  Hot deserts have one of the highest biodiversity of plants and animals on Earth.

  False.

  Hot deserts have one of the lowest biodiversity of plants and animals on Earth.

• What are epiphytes?

  Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants or objects for support, obtaining moisture and nutrients from the air and rain.

• True or False?

  The nutrient cycle in tropical rainforests is slow.

  False.

  The nutrient cycle in tropical rainforests is rapid.

• Describe the soil in a hot desert ecosystem.

  Due to a lack of organic matter the soils in a hot desert ecosystem are coarse, sandy and low in nutrients.

• True or False?

  Plants in hot desert ecosystems often have small leaves to reduce water loss.

  True.

  Plants in hot desert ecosystems often have small leaves to reduce water loss.

• What is deforestation?

  Deforestation is the felling and clearance of trees.

• Name two countries experiencing the highest levels of deforestation in the world.

  Many countries are experiencing high levels of deforestation, including:

  • Malaysia.

  • Brazil.

  • India.

  • Indonesia.

• True or False?

  Wildfires are only caused by human activities.

  False.

  Wildfires can be a natural cause of deforestation and can be caused by lightning. However, their frequency and severity have increased due to human-induced climate change.

• What is a monoculture?

  A monoculture is the cultivation of a single crop in a given area, often leading to reduced biodiversity.

• Define the term leaching.

  Leaching is the process by which soluble nutrients are washed out of the soil by rainfall or irrigation.

• What percentage of Brazil's GDP comes from activities in deforested areas of the Amazon?

  Almost a quarter (25%) of Brazil's GDP comes from activities in the deforested areas of the Amazon.

• True or False?

  Deforestation always has negative economic impacts.

  False.

  Deforestation can have positive economic impacts such as more jobs in mining, forestry, agriculture, and increased income for the country through exports.

• What is slash and burn agriculture?

  Slash and burn agriculture is a farming method where vegetation is cut down and burned to clear land for cultivation.

• What percentage of Malaysia's land is covered by tropical rainforest?

  Almost 70% of Malaysia's land is covered by tropical rainforest.

• Define the term endemic species.

  Endemic species are plants and animals that exist only in one geographic location.
  

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