Earth's Geography and Climate
Liam Thomas
6 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers geological and geographical factors influencing climate, including solar radiation, Earth's orbit, atmospheric composition (greenhouse gases), volcanic activity, ocean currents, and the rain shadow effect. It emphasizes the impact of human activities on greenhouse gas concentrations and provides practice questions on these key concepts.
#AP Environmental Science: Climate Factors - The Night Before
Hey there, future environmental champion! Let's make sure you're feeling awesome and ready for the AP exam tomorrow. We're going to break down climate factors into bite-sized, memorable chunks. Let's do this!
#☀️ Geologic and Geographic Factors Influencing Climate
#1. Solar Radiation
- The Sun: Our main energy source! 💡 Variations in solar intensity affect climate. Think about how different latitudes experience different seasons and intensities of sunlight.
- Earth's Orbit: Not a perfect circle! The elliptical orbit affects the amount of solar energy reaching Earth. Closer = more intense, further = less intense.
Solar radiation is the primary driver of Earth's climate system. Variations in solar intensity and Earth's orbit can lead to significant climate changes.
#2. Atmospheric Composition
- Greenhouse Gases: Gases like CO2 and methane trap heat. Human activities (deforestation, fossil fuels) are major contributors to increased greenhouse gas concentrations and global warming. This leads to hotter, more dangerous climates and increased natural disasters.
Remember the main greenhouse gases: CO2, methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O). Know their sources and impacts.
#3. Volcanic Activity
- Volcanoes: Large eruptions release as...
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