Ballakermeen Name ……………………………………………………………
June 2012 Paper 1.1 and Paper 1.3
2 Fig. 2 is a diagram of unstable atmospheric conditions. Fill in your details at the top of page 3 of theInsert and attach it to your answer booklet or paper.
(a) On Fig. 2 label:
(i) dry adiabatic lapse rate (DALR); [1] (ii) saturated adiabatic lapse rate (SALR); [1] (iii) (ELR). [1]
(b) On Fig. 2, draw a towering cumulus cloud showing its location and vertical extent. [2]
(c) Explain how instability occurs and describe the weather that may result. [5]
8 (a) (i) Briefly explain the atmospheric terms high pressure and low pressure. [4]
(ii) How do high and low pressure areas affect wind direction? [3]
(b) With the help of a diagram, explain the pattern of radiation excesses and deficits on the Earth’s surface. Describe one way in which the transfer of heat from areas of excess to deficit occurs. [8]
(c) Why is it important to understand the nature of greenhouse gases and how they can affect global warming? [10]
June 2012 Paper 1.2
2 Fig. 2 shows lapse rates representing the atmospheric condition of conditional instability.
(a) (i) Name the lapse rate marked A. [1]
(ii) Name the lapse rate marked B. [1]
(iii) Name the lapse rate marked C. [1]
(iv) Name the line marked D. [1]
(b) Explain how conditional instability occurs and describe the type of weather that may result. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms solar radiation and terrestrial radiation. [4]
(ii) Describe how a temperature inversion may occur close to the earth’s surface at night. [3]
(b) With the help of diagrams, explain how, on the earth’s surface, heat is transferred from areas of radiation excess to areas of radiation deficit. [8]
(c) Explain to what extent an urban climate is different from the climate found in surrounding rural areas. [10]
November 2012 Paper 1.1 and Paper 1.2 (Same)
2 Fig. 1 shows the trend in night time temperatures across an urban area.
(a) Describe the trend in night time temperatures shown, supporting your answer with data from Fig. 1. [4]
(b) Explain why the night time temperatures vary across an urban area such as that shown in Fig. 1. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms condensation and convection. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain the conditions needed for atmospheric stability. [3]
(b) With the help of diagrams, explain how the daytime and night time energy budgets are different. [8]
(c) Describe the greenhouse effect. Explain how human activities may affect its operation. [10]
November 2012 Paper 1.3
2 Fig. 2 shows the recent trends in global mean surface temperature and snow cover in the northern hemisphere.
(a) Compare the two trends for the period 1920 to 2000. [4]
(b) Explain the trend in global mean surface temperature. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms temperature inversion and environmental lapse rate. [4]
(ii) Explain how radiation cooling occurs. [3]
(b) With the help of a diagram or diagrams explain how a mountain range can lead to the development of precipitation. [8]
(c) Describe the global pattern of wind systems. Explain how this pattern is produced and why it varies seasonally. [10]
June 2013 Paper 1.1
2 Fig. 2 shows the mean (average) temperatures in July.
(a) Describe the location of the area showing the highest mean (average) temperatures. [2]
(b) Explain why the highest mean (average) temperatures are found in the location you have described in (a) rather than at the equator. [4]
(c) Explain why temperatures recorded over land differ from those recorded over sea at the same latitudes. [4]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms evaporation and condensation. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the factors that influence the rate of evaporation. [3]
(b) With the aid of diagrams, explain how convectional rainfall and orographic rainfall are produced. [8]
(c) Explain how greenhouse gases influence the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere. To what extent could an increase in greenhouse gases lead to climate change? [10]
June 2013 Paper 1.2
2 Fig. 2 shows Hadley cells located either side of the equator.
(a) (i) State whether the pressure is high or low at A on Fig. 2. [1]
(ii) State whether the pressure is high or low at B on Fig. 2. [1]
(b) Explain how the Hadley cells operate and describe the contribution they make to the circulation of heat and winds on the earth’s surface. [6]
(c) Briefly describe one other method by which heat is transferred around the earth’s surface. [2]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms latent heat transfer and sensible heat transfer. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how radiation cooling occurs. [3]
(b) With the aid of a labelled diagram, explain how the earth’s surface and atmosphere are heated during the daytime. [8]
(c) Explain how the uplift of air can result in rainfall. [10]
June 2013 Paper 1.3
2 Fig. 2 shows isotherms for Dublin, an urban area in Ireland, on a day in November at 10.00pm (22.00 hours).
(a) State the highest and lowest isotherms as shown on Fig. 2. [2]
(b) Describe the pattern of isotherms shown on Fig. 2. [3]
(c) Explain how urban areas have an effect on precipitation, pollution and winds in comparison with surrounding rural areas. [5]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms condensation and evaporation. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain what is meant by latent heat transfer. [3]
(b) With the help of diagrams, explain how land and sea breezes are created. [8]
(c) Explain how instability in the atmosphere causes different types of weather. [10]
November 2013 Paper 1.1 and Paper 1.2
2 Fig. 2 shows, for various weather elements, the differences between a large urban area and a nearby rural area. The differences are shown as positive and negative percentage changes.
(a) Identify the weather element that shows:
(i) the largest percentage difference; [1]
(ii) the smallest percentage difference. [1]
(b) Describe the differences in precipitation shown in Fig. 2. [2]
(c) Explain why temperature and precipitation differ between urban areas and rural areas. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms sublimation and humidity. [4]
(ii) Describe one condition under which temperature inversion may occur. [3]
(b) With the aid of a diagram, explain the nature of orographic uplift of air and how it may lead to the formation of rainfall. [8]
(c) Explain global warming and discuss its possible effects on global climate. [10]
November 2013 Paper 1.3
2 Fig. 2 shows the night time temperatures across a large urban area.
(a) Give the term that is used to describe the pattern of temperatures shown in Fig. 2. [1]
(b) Describe the pattern of temperatures along a transect from A to B. [4]
(c) Explain how buildings and roads can affect the climate in urban areas. [5]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms convection and orographic uplift. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the conditions which may lead to the formation of fog. [3]
(b) Explain how ocean currents influence the global distribution of temperature. [8]
(c) Describe how human activities have affected the nature and concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Examine the likely effects on global climate. [10]
June 2014 Paper 1.1
2 Fig. 2 shows the summer and winter temperatures for the central business district (CBD) and rural areas of Melbourne, Australia.
(a) State the highest temperature recorded in Melbourne’s CBD. [1]
(b) Using Fig. 2, describe the pattern of the temperatures in summer and in winter for the CBD and the rural areas. [4]
(c) Explain why temperatures are different between the CBD and the surrounding rural areas. [5]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms fog and dew. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the albedo effect at the earth’s surface. [3]
(b) With the aid of a diagram, explain why some parts of the earth have an excess of radiation energy and other areas have a deficit of radiation energy. [8]
(c) Explain how clouds and rainfall are produced. Suggest reasons why not all clouds produce rainfall. [10]
June 2014 Paper 1.2
2 Fig. 2 shows the annual radiation balance of the Earth.
(a) What is the largest amount of short wave solar radiation received? [1]
(b) Describe the patterns of the latitudinal distribution of short wave and long wave radiation shown in Fig. 2. [3]
(c) Explain why there is a surplus of radiation energy in some parts of the earth and a deficit in others. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms evaporation and condensation. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the forms in which moisture is present in the atmosphere. [3]
(b) Explain why urban areas have higher temperatures + more rainfall but less mist than surrounding rural areas. [8]
(c) Explain the relationship between the lapse rates that occur with convectional and with orographic uplift of air. To what extent do convectional uplift and orographic uplift produce different types of weather? [10]
June 2014 Paper 1.3
2 Fig. 2A shows the Earth’s radiation balance for one year. Fig. 2B shows a model of atmospheric circulation.
(a) Name the features in Fig. 2A labelled:
(i) X, [1]
(ii) Y. [1]
(b) Describe what is happening at Z and state the latitude. [2]
(c) Using Fig. 2B, describe and account for the nature of atmospheric circulation and how it contributes to the transfer of heat around the Earth’s surface. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the atmospheric terms condensation and sublimation. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe what is meant by temperature inversion at the Earth’s surface. [3]
(b) With a diagram, explain how urban areas affect temperatures in comparison with surrounding rural areas. [8]
(c) Describe the factors that influence local energy budgets and discuss the resulting weatherphenomena of mist, fog, dew and land and sea breezes. [10]
November 2014 Paper 1.1 and Paper 1.2
2 Fig. 2 shows the trend in five year average global temperature between 1860 and 2010.
(a) Describe the trend shown in Fig. 2. [4]
(b) Suggest reasons for the trend described in (a). [6]
8 (a) (i) Define dry adiabatic lapse rate and orographic uplift. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe the conditions which lead to the formation of dew. [3]
(b) With the aid of a diagram or diagrams, explain how latitude influences the global distribution of temperature and pressure. [8]
(c) Describe and explain the extent to which the climate of a large urban area differs from that of the surrounding rural area. [10]
November 2014 Paper 1.3
2 Fig. 2 shows night time temperatures for the city of Sydney, Australia, on the 6 February 2009.
(a) Describe the pattern of temperatures shown in Fig. 2. [4]
(b) Explain how the energy budgets (radiation balance and albedo) of urban areas and rural areas differ. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms sensible heat transfer and latent heat transfer. [4]
(ii) Briefly describe atmospheric stability. [3]
(b) Describe the distribution of global pressure belts and explain their seasonal variations. [8]
(c) Describe the characteristics of a greenhouse gas. Explain how an increase in such gases can lead to changes in global climate. [10]
June 2015 Paper 1.1
2 Fig. 1 shows the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and the average annual surface temperature of the Earth, 1880 – 2005.
(a) Compare the trend in carbon dioxide concentration with the trend in the average annual surface temperature of the Earth shown in Fig. 1. [4]
(b) Describe the causes of the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and explain how this increase could bring about changes in the surface temperature of the Earth. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms temperature inversion and dew. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how fog is formed. [3]
(b) Using diagrams, explain why the amount of incoming solar radiation received at the Earth’s surface changes with latitude. [8]
(c) Explain how atmospheric stability and atmospheric instability occur. How can these conditions produce different weather? [10]
June 2015 Paper 1.2
2 Fig. 1A shows the proportions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that result from human activities. Fig. 1B shows the proportions of different human activities that produce greenhouse gases.
(a) (i) Calculate the total percentage of carbon dioxide shown in Fig. 1A. [1]
(ii) Name the human activity that results in the greatest %age of greenhouse gas emissions shown in Fig. 1B. [1]
(b) Using Figs 1A and 1B, briefly describe the relationship between agriculture and the production of greenhouse gases. [3]
(c) Explain how an increase in greenhouse gases can lead to global warming. [5]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms relative humidity and absolute humidity. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how mist is formed. [3]
(b) Using a diagram, explain how the Earth’s atmosphere is heated during the daytime. [8]
(c) Describe and explain the pattern of the Earth’s pressure belts. To what extent does this pattern change seasonally? [10]
June 2015 Paper 1.3
2 Fig. 2 shows the three changes in atmospheric moisture.
(a) Name the processes in Fig. 2 labelled:
(i) J, [1]
(ii) K. [1]
(b) State and briefly describe the process occurring at L. [3]
(c) Using Fig. 2, describe and explain processes which contribute to the formation of precipitation. [5]
8 (a) (i) Define the atmospheric terms convection and orographic uplift. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how heat is transferred by ocean currents. [3]
(b) With the aid of a diagram, explain the global pattern of wind. [8]
(c) Describe global warming. To what extent might global warming bring about climate change? [10]
November 2015 Paper 1.1
2 Fig. 2 shows atmospheric lapse rates.
Using Fig. 2:
(a) (i) Name the lapse rate labelled A. [1]
(ii) Name the lapse rate labelled B. [1]
(iii) State the height in metres at which clouds begin to form. [1]
(iv) Identify the feature shown by the line labelled C. [1]
(b) Describe conditional instability and explain how it might lead to rainfall. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms relative humidity and sublimation. [4]
(ii) Describe what is meant by a temperature inversion. [3]
(b) Describe and explain seasonal variations in the global distribution of pressure and wind. [8]
(c) Describe the nature of greenhouse gases. To what extent could an increase in greenhouse gases lead to climate change? [10]
November 2015 Paper 1.2
2 Fig. 2 shows night time temperatures across an urban area.
(a) Using Fig. 2, state:
(i) the highest temperature and its location; [2]
(ii) the lowest temperature and its location. [2]
(b) Using Fig. 2, explain how the features of the urban area affect its night time temperatures. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms environmental lapse rate and dry adiabatic lapse rate. [4]
(ii) Describe how latent heat transfer occurs. [3]
(b) Describe how greenhouse gases affect the Earth’s energy budget. [8]
(c) Explain how stability and instability in the atmosphere produce different types of weather. [10]
November 2015 Paper 1.3
2 Fig. 2 shows the global surface air pressure (in mb) for the month of July.
(a) Using Fig. 2, state:
(i) the highest pressure; [1]
(ii) the lowest pressure. [1]
(b) Describe the location of low pressure areas shown in Fig. 2. [2]
(c) Explain the pattern of global surface air pressure shown in Fig. 2. [6]
8 (a) (i) Define the terms solar radiation and earth (terrestrial) radiation. [4]
(ii) Briefly explain how one type of fog occurs. [3]
(b) Explain how human activities contribute to global warming. [8]
(c) Describe and explain the extent to which the features of an urban area can affect its climate. [10]