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Geog 117

QuestionAnswer
Precession 23000 year wobble of Earth's axis - changes timing of seasons relative to perihelion and aphelion - influences glacial and interglacial cycles - more extreme seasons when summer occurs at perihelion
Meteorological Drought Prolonged period of below average precipitation compared to normal conditions - based on atmospheric dryness and duration
Sunspot Dark cooler region on the Sun caused by intense magnetic fields - reduced convection - associated with solar activity cycles
Conditional Instability Atmosphere that is stable when unsaturated but unstable when saturated - latent heat release promotes rising air - important for thunderstorm formation
Orographic Precipitation Rainfall produced when moist air rises over mountains - adiabatic cooling - condensation - rain on windward side - rain shadow on leeward side
Thunderstorm Storm characterized by lightning and thunder - heavy rainfall - strong updrafts and downdrafts - develops in unstable moist air
Harmattan Hot dry dusty northeast trade wind from the Sahara - strongest in winter - affects West Africa
Hurricane Large tropical cyclone forming over warm oceans - sea surface temperatures above 26.5°C - low wind shear - high humidity - convective instability - powered by latent heat release
Convective Instability Atmospheric condition where lifted air continues rising because it is warmer than surrounding air - necessary for deep convection and hurricane development
Storm Tide Combined water level rise from storm surge and astronomical tide - determines total coastal flooding
Climate Variability Short term changes in climate lasting less than 100 years - includes ENSO effects - can be cyclic or trend based
Desertification Land degradation in arid and semi arid regions caused by human activity and climate variability - loss of vegetation - increased albedo - reduced soil moisture - reduced rainfall - self reinforcing cycle
Photosynthesis Process that converts solar energy into chemical energy stored in glucose - uses carbon dioxide and water - produces oxygen - stores energy for plant growth
Storm Surge Abnormal rise in sea level caused by hurricane winds and low atmospheric pressure - pushes water onshore - major cause of coastal flooding
Eccentricity 100000 year variation in Earth's orbital shape from circular to elliptical - changes Earth Sun distance - affects incoming solar radiation - important for glaciation
Positive Feedback Process that amplifies an initial change - drives systems away from equilibrium - example warming increases water vapor which causes more warming
Hurricane Eye Calm center of a hurricane - sinking air - light winds - clear skies - lowest pressure region
Easterly Wave Westward moving low pressure disturbance originating over Africa - produces thunderstorms - source of most Atlantic hurricanes
Equatorial Monsoon Climate Tropical climate near the equator influenced by the ITCZ and monsoons - high rainfall year round - weak seasonal variation - example Palu Indonesia
Deforestation Removal of forests for agriculture logging mining or settlement - reduces carbon storage - increases runoff - alters local climate
Cumulonimbus Tall vertically developed thunderstorm cloud - heavy rain - lightning - severe weather - mature thunderstorm cloud
Agricultural Drought Water shortage affecting crops and soil moisture - linked to precipitation deficits - reduced crop yields - high evapotranspiration
Respiration Process that breaks down glucose using oxygen to release energy - produces carbon dioxide and water - opposite of photosynthesis
Shelter Belt Line of trees planted to protect crops from wind - reduces erosion - decreases wind speed - limited effectiveness during hurricanes
Shifting Cultivation Farming system where land is cleared farmed and then left fallow - restores soil fertility - common subsistence practice
Negative Feedback Process that counteracts an initial change - stabilizes the system - opposite of positive feedback
The Sahel Semi arid transition zone between the Sahara and tropical Africa - highly variable rainfall - influenced by ITCZ movement and sea surface temperatures - vulnerable to drought
Greenhouse Gas Atmospheric gas that absorbs and re emits longwave radiation - includes carbon dioxide methane nitrous oxide CFCs and water vapor - contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change
Eye Wall Ring of intense thunderstorms surrounding the hurricane eye - strongest winds - heaviest rainfall - most destructive part of the storm
Created by: user-2044120
 

 



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