Folie 1

“Englisch als Arbeitssprache ”

Unterrichtseinheiten zum Thema

“WORLD CLIMATE”

Walter Schöpf

HTL-Bregenz

Dornbirn, November 2005

1

World Climate

1 st Atmospheric circulation and world climates

-Connection between atmospheric circulation and world climates. (Figure, text, explanation)

-Importrant causes of wind developing: High-pressure, lowpressure, earth rotation (Figure, text, explanation)

2 nd Factors affecting global temperatures

-Latitude and distance from the sea

-Prevailing winds, Ocean currents and Altitude

3 rd Equatorial and tropical continental climates

-Equatorial climates and the daily pattern

-Tropical continental climates (climate graphs, figures, Text)

4 th The monsoon, mediterranean and cold climates

-The monsoon

-Mediterranean and Cold climate (climate graphs, atlas, text)

5 th Recapitulation

-Answer questions in groups and produce a card-game

-Play the -question and answer- game.

2


Any pattern of climate types that you could identify is mainly due to the circulation of air in the atmosphere. In order to understand this circulation, you need to be aware of the following processes:

1 If air next to the ground is heated, it expands, gets lighter an rises.

Height of the air column after heating

Height of the air column before heating Fill in the underlined, and the framed texts into the suitable boxes

It expands, gets lighter and rises.

Air next to the ground is heated

0 ° (Equator)

Mark the right answer with a cross

Attend: The weight oft the air column above the ground is

0 the same as

0 more than

0 less than before the heating

3

1 st Atmospheric circulation and world climates K





0 ° (Equator)


Attention:

The weight oft the air column above the ground is

0 the same as

0 more than


4


2 If air in the atmosphere is cooled, it becomes denser and sinks, but it also means that the air column in 30 ° N and 30° S is

0 higher 0 lower than the air column at the equator, because it is

0 colder 0 warmer

Air pressure means the weight of the air column above the place you quantify the pressure.

Fill the Letter L (low pressure) or H (high pressure) into the suitable box. It means higher or lower pressure in relation to the equator and 30 ° North or South. It might help you to imagine: A ride on a hot-air balloon exactly in a height of 8 km at first at the

Equator and then in 30 ° north and south . At each place you measure the pressure.

30 ° N

0 ° (equator) km

12

8

30 ° S

5

Mark the right answer with a cross K

2 If air in the atmosphere is cooled, it becomes denser and sinks, but it also means that the air column in 30 ° N and 30° S is

0 higher 0 lower than the air column at the equator, because it is

0 colder 0 warmer

Air pressure means the weight of the air column above the place you quantify the pressure.

Fill the Letter L (low pressure) or H (high pressure) into the suitable box. It means higher or lower pressure in relation to the equator and 30 ° North or South. It might help you to imagine: A ride on a hot-air balloon exactly in a height of 8 km at first at the

Equator and then in 30 ° north and south . At each place you measure the pressure.

L

30 ° N

H

0 ° (equator)

L km

12

8

30 ° S

6

3 Wind, which is air in motion, blows from areas of high pressure (H) to areas of low pressure (L). Therefore, the wind in the atmosphere above 8 km blows from

0 the lower latitudes (30 °N, 30°S) to the Equator

0 the Equator to the lower latitudes (30 °N, 30°S)

L H L km

12

8

30 ° N

0 ° (equator) 30 ° S

When this process is started, the air column at 30

°N and 30°S becomes 0 higher 0 lower and the air column at the equator becomes 0 higher 0 lower, so that the atmospheric pressure at the earth ´s surface in 30°N and 30°S will 0 increase 0 decrease as opposed to the atmospheric pressure at the earth ´s surface at the equator which will 0 increase 0 decrease.

Fill the Letter L (low pressure) or H (high pressure) into the suitable box at the earth’s surface and complete the direction of the wind flow with red arrows.

K


0 the lower latitudes (30 °N, 30°S) to the Equator

0 the Equator to the lower latitudes (30 °N, 30°S)

L H L km

12

8

H

30 ° N

L H

30 ° S

0 ° (equator)




L H L km

12

8

H

30 ° N

0 ° (Equator) 30 ° S

This circulation was discovered by Mr. Hadley, so it ´s called

Hadley cell

4 The Coriolis force prevents air from moving directly from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure – otherwise the prevailing wind in the Atlantic Ocean between the Equator and

30 ° north would be from the north, not the north east, so-called the north-easterly trades.

9

L H L km

12

8

K

H

30 ° N



Hadley cell



Draw the ground plan of the surface winds

10

Figure 13.1 shows the major areas of high and low pressure, and the general circulation of the atmosphere.

a) Colorize Figure 13.1 like the master copy (transparency) b) Fill in the framed winddirections into the suitable box of

Figure 13.1

Easterly winds

(South) westerly winds

North-easterly trades

South-easterly trades

(North) westerly winds

Easterly winds

11

Ea

Ea

Ea

Ea

Ea

Ea

- By midday, sun shines vertically giving maximum heat 2

- Warm air and water vapour rise 3

- Sun ´s rays heat the Earth´s surface 4

- Ground wet after previous day ´s rain 1

3 Convection currents

1 Water vapour cools and condenses into water droplets

2 Cumulus clouds

2 After having lost most water, the dry and cold air is spreading outwards from the Equator to …..

1 Cumulonimbus clouds give heavy rain, usually with thunder and lightning

Ges. 18 Punkte möglich a) Fill in the right numbers:

O

Ferrell cell

O

Hadley cell

O

Polar cell b) Fill in the framed wind-directions into the suitable box of Figure 13.1

North-easterly trades 6

(South) westerly winds 5

Easterly winds 4

(North) westerly winds 1

South-easterly trades 2

12

Easterly winds 3

Figure 13.1 shows the major areas of high and low pressure, and the general circulation of the atmosphere.

a) Colorize Figure 13.1 like the master copy (overhead slide) K b) Fill in the framed winddirections into the suitable box of

Figure 13.1

Easterly winds Easterly winds





Easterly winds





Easterly winds

13

Convectional rainfall and thunderstorms at the Equator

Fill in the following sentences into the suitable boxes of Figure 12.10

1 Morning

2 Early afternoon

1

4

3

3

2

1

2

1 Warm air and water vapour rise

2 By midday, sun shines vertically giving maximum heat

3 Ground wet after previous day ´s rain

4 Sun ´s rays heat the Earth´s surface

1 Convection currents

2 Water vapour cools and condenses into water droplets

3 Cumulus clouds

3 Late afternoon (4 p.m.)

1

2

1

1 After having lost most water, the dry and cold air is spreading outwards from the

Equator to …..

2 Cumulonimbus clouds give heavy rain, usually with

14 thunder and lightning

Convectional rainfall and thunderstorms at the Equator K


1 Morning

2 Early afternoon

- Warm air and water vapour rise

- By midday, sun shines vertically giving maximum heat

- Ground wet after previous day ´s rain

- Sun ´s rays heat the Earth´s surface

- Convection currents

- Water vapour cools and condenses into water droplets

- Cumulus clouds

3 Late afternoon (4 p.m.) - After having lost most water, the dry and cold air is spreading outwards from the

Equator to …..

- Cumulonimbus clouds give heavy rain, usually with

15 thunder and lightning

Read the following description and show the cycles at the basic of

Figure13.1 and 12.10 as well as in your Atlas at page……

Verbal description to Figure 13.1

The circulation is controlled by the build-up of heat at the

Equator, which causes air to rise (convection currents) and low pressure to form. As the rising air cools, it condenses to give thunderstorms before spreading outwards from the Equator.

As the air becomes denser (at 30 °N and 30°S), it descends to form a high pressure belt and, as it gets warmer and drier, an area of desert. Some of the descending air, on reaching the ground, returns to the Equator as the trade winds. The remainder moves away from the tropics (the westerlies) towards places like

Britain where, as warm, moist tropical air, it meets with colder polar air and is forced to rise, creating low pressure and depressions

(… it will be done later).

This explanation is an oversimplified one (if it was not, then weather forecasting would be quite easy!). Due to the Earth ´s tilt and rotation, the position of the overhead sun appears to change, giving us our seasons. The northern hemisphere is hottest when the sun appears to be above the Tropic of Cancer (21 June). At this time, the pressure and wind belts move northwards. In contrast, the southern hemisphere is hottest when the sun appears to be over the Tropic of Capricorn (21 December), by which time the pressure and wind belts have moved south. The resultant changes in pressure and wind are responsible for the and the Mediterranean climate types.

Read the following description and show the cycles on the basis of Figure13.1 and 12.10 as well as your Atlas at page……


K

The circulation is controlled by the build-up of heat at the Equator, which causes air to rise

(convection currents) and low pressure to form. As the rising air cools, it condenses to give thunderstorms before spreading outwards from the Equator .

As the air becomes denser (at 30 °N and 30°S), it descends to form a high pressure belt and, as it gets warmer and drier, an area of desert. Some of the descending air, on reaching the ground, returns to the Equator as the trade winds. The remainder moves away from the tropics (the westerlies) towards places like Britain where, as warm, moist tropical air, it meets with colder polar air and is forced to rise, creating low pressure and depressions


This explanation is an oversimplified one (if it was not, then weather forecasting would be quite easy!). Due to the Earth ´s tilt and rotation, the position of the overhead sun appears to change, giving us our seasons. The northern hemisphere is hottest when the sun appears to be above the

Tropic of Cancer (21 June). At this time, the pressure and wind belts move northwards. In contrast, the southern hemisphere is hottest when the sun appears to be over the Tropic of Capricorn (21

December), by which time the pressure and wind belts have moved south. The resultant changes in pressure and wind are responsible for the seasonal contrasts in climates, such as the tropical continental and the Mediterranean climate types.

Read the following description and show the cycles on the basis of Figure13.1 and 12.10 as well as your Atlas at page……


The circulation is controlled by the build-up of heat at the Equator, which causes air to rise

(convection currents) and low pressure to form. As the rising air cools, it condenses to give thunderstorms before spreading outwards from the Equator .

As the air becomes denser (at 30 °N and 30°S), it descends to form a high pressure belt and, as it gets warmer and drier, an area of desert. Some of the descending air, on reaching the ground, returns to the Equator as the trade winds. The remainder moves away from the tropics (the westerlies) towards places like Britain where, as warm, moist tropical air, it meets with colder polar air and is forced to rise, creating low pressure and depressions (… it will be done later).

This explanation is an oversimplified one (if it was not, then weather forecasting would be quite easy!). Due to the Earth ´s tilt and rotation, the position of the overhead sun appears to change, giving us our seasons. The northern hemisphere is hottest when the sun appears to be above the

Tropic of Cancer (21 June). At this time, the pressure and wind belts move northwards. In contrast, the southern hemisphere is hottest when the sun appears to be over the Tropic of Capricorn (21

December), by which time the pressure and wind belts have moved south. The resultant changes in pressure and wind are responsible for the seasonal contrasts in climates, such as the tropical continental and the Mediterranean climate types.

17

Work in pairs and answer the following questions as a recapitulation: a) Why is pressure:

- low at the Equator ?

- high about 30 ° from the Equator ?

- low at about 60 ° from the Equator ?

b) What is reponsible for this:

- the trade winds in the tropics

- the prevailing south-westerlies in Britain

- convectional rainfall on the Equator

K c) Draw a simple diagram to show the general circulation of the atmosphere. Your diagram should show the three circulation cells.

What relationship can you see between the circulation of the atmosphere and the pattern of world climate types?


-low at the Equator

-high about 30 ° from the Equator

-low at about 60 ° from the Equator b) How does this pattern of high and low pressure account for:

-the trade winds in the tropics

-the prevailing south-westerlies in Britain

-convectional rainfall on the Equator c) Draw a simple diagram to show the general circulation of the atmosphere. Your diagram should show the three circulation cells.


18


Latitude: Places in the tropics, being nearer the Equator, are much warmer than places towards the Poles.

Atmosphere

(dust, vapour)

Parallel and equal rays of heat and light from the sun

Sun at a low angle A-

B a greater area to heat up

Equator (sun overhead)

X-Y a smaller area to heat up

Rays pass more quickly through atmosphere at

Equator (Q) than nearer poles (P)

The equatorial, tropical continental and monsoon climates are therefore much warmer than places nearer to the poles . This is due to the curvature of the Earth and the angle of the sun. At the

Equator the sun is always high in the sky.

When it is overhead it shines directly downwards, concentrating its heat into a small area which will become very hot.

In contrast, the sun is always low in the sky towards the poles. This means that its heat is 19


Latitude: Places in the tropics, being nearer the Equator, are much warmer than places towards the Poles.

K a) Colorize Figure 12.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) b) Fill in the framed texts into the suitable boxes of Figure 12.2

Sun at a low angle A-B a greater area to heat up


Atmosphere (dust, vapour)

Rays pass more quickly through atmosphere at Equator (Q) than nearer poles (P)

Equator (sun overhead) X-Y a smaller area to heat up

Atmosphere

(dust, vapour)


Sun at a low angle

A-B a greater area to heat up

Equator (sun overhead) X-

Y a smaller area to heat up

Rays pass more quickly through atmosphere at

Equator (Q) than nearer poles (P)

20

spread over a wide area , and so temperatures remain lower .

Notice also that the lower the angle of the sun, the greater the amount of atmosphere through which the rays have to pass. This means that more heat will be lost to gases, dust and cloud in the atmosphere. This is why places in the south of Britain can expect to be warmer, especially in summer, than places further north .

21

Fill in the missing phrases into the following text: K nearer to the poles / lower / atmosphere through which / low in the sky / cloud / will become very hot / high in the sky./ north / wide area

The equatorial, tropical continental and monsoon climates are therefore much warmer than places……………. This is due to the curvature of the

Earth and the angle of the sun. At the Equator the sun is always

…………………. When it is overhead it shines directly downwards, concentrating its heat into a small area which …………….. In contrast, the sun is always ………….. towards the poles. This means that its heat is spread over a ……………….., and so temperatures remain………….

Notice also that the lower the angle of the sun, the greater the amount of

…………………..the rays have to pass. This means that more heat will be lost to gases, dust and ………….. in the atmosphere. This is why places in the south of Britain can expect to be warmer, especially in summer, than places further……………..

22

Distance from the sea: The sea (a liquid) is less dense than the land (a solid) and can be heated to a greater depth. This means that the sea takes much longer to heat up in summer than does the land. Once warmed, however, the sea retains its heat for much longer, and cools down more slowly than the land in winter.

This is why places that are inland are warmer in summer but colder in winter than places on the coast. As Britain is surrounded by the sea, it tends to get cool summers and mild winters . The largest reservoir of heat in winter is the Atlantic

Ocean, even though it is still cold enough to die from hypothermia within a few minutes should you fall into it. This explains why western parts of Britain are warmer than places to the east in winter.

23

Prevailing winds: Prevailing winds will bring warm weather if they pass over warm surfaces (the land in summer, the sea in winter) and cold weather if they blow across cold surfaces (the land in winter, the sea in summer). As Britain

´s prevailing winds are from the south-west , they are cool in summer but warm (mild) in winter.

Ocean currents: Many coastal areas are affected by ocean currents. The North Atlantic Drift is a warm current of water which originates in the Gulf of Mexico. It keeps the west coast of Britain much warmer in winter than other places in similar latitudes .

Altitude: Temperatures decrease , on average, by 1 °C for every

100 meters in height. As many parts of the Scottish Highlands are over 1000 meters, they will be at least 10 °C cooler than coastal places. In fact, the wind chill factor will make them even colder, and enables snow to lie for long periods during winter.

24

Fill in the phrases into the following text: colder in winter / longer to heat up / you fall / in summer / western / summers / east / cools down more slowly / winters

K

Distance from the sea:

The sea (a liquid) is less dense than the land (a solid) and can be heated to a greater depth. This means that the sea takes much ……………….in summer than does the land. Once warmed, however, the sea retains its heat for much longer, and …………………….than the land in winter.

This is why places that are inland are warmer

………….but ……………..than places on the coast. As Britain is surrounded by the sea, it tends to get cool …………and mild…………….

The largest reservoir of heat in winter is the

Atlantic Ocean, even though it is still cold enough to die from hypothermia within a few minutes should ………...into it. This explains why ……….. parts of Britain are warmer than places to the

………….in winter.

Fill in the phrases into the following text: south-west / warm surfaces / warm / cold weather west coast / North Atlantic Drift / latitudes long periods / decrease / 10 °C cooler

Prevailing winds:

Prevailing winds will bring warm weather if they pass over

…………………(the land in summer, the sea in winter) and …………………if they blow across cold surfaces (the land in winter, the sea in summer). As Britain ´s prevailing winds are from the…………., they are cool in summer but……….(mild) in winter. Ocean currents: Many coastal areas are affected by ocean currents. The …………………is a warm current of water which originates in the

Gulf of Mexico. It keeps the …………. of

Britain much warmer in winter than other places in similar……………..

Altitude:

Temperatures…………….., on average, by 1 °C for every 100 meters in height. As many parts of the Scottish Highlands are over 1000 meters, they will be at least

………………….than coastal places. In even colder, and enables snow to lie for

………………during winter.

Work in pairs and answer the following questions as a recapitulation:

-Why do global temperatures increase towards the Equator?

- Why do places in the centre of continents have warmer summers and colder winters than places that have a coastal location?

-Why are prevailing winds from the sea: x warmer in winter x cooler in summer?

-How can ocean currents affect the temperatures of coastal areas?

-Why can snow be found in some places on the Equator?

K













26


Equatorial

Places with an equatorial climate lie within 5 ° either side of the

Equator. The main areas are the large drainage basins of the

Amazon (South America) and Congo (Africa) rivers and the extreme south-east of Asia (Fig. 13.2

). a) Colorize the Equatorial climates in Figure 13.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) and name the main areas of

Equatorial climates b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of

Manaus and loklisize Manaus in your Atlas and in Figure

13.2

Figure 13.3 is a climate graph for Manaus which is located 3 ° south of the

Manaus (Brazil) 3

°S; Altitude 44 m

Annual range of temperature 2 °C

Annual precipitation 2104 mm

Equator and in the centre of the Amazon basin in

Brazil. It shows that temperatures are both high and constant throughout the year. The small annual range of

2 °C is due to the sun always being at a high angle in the sky, even if not always directly overhead (Fig. 12.2

).

27

28

K

b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of Manaus and localize Manaus in your

Atlas and in Figure 13.2

Manaus (Brazil) 3 °S; Altitude 44 m; Annual range of temperature 2 °C ; Annual precipitation

2104 mm

Figure 13.3 is a climate graph for Manaus which is located 3 ° south of the Equator and in the centre of the Amazon basin in Brazil. It shows that temperatures are both high and constant throughout the year. The small annual range of 2 °C is due to the sun always being at a high angle in the sky, even if not always directly overhead (Fig. 12.2

). b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of Manaus and localize Manaus in your



2104 mm


). b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of Manaus and localize

Manaus in your Atlas and in Figure 13.2


2104 mm


).

29

K

Work in pairs: Read the following text and answer the questions: a) Look for the doldrums in your Atlas and write down the

German word: ……………..

b) Why are the winds generally light?: ………… c) The dryer month in Manaus are in July, August and

September, why?? …………………… d) Characterise the equatorial climate: ……….

Equatorial areas have annual rainfall totals in excess of 2000 mm, mainly due to convectional thunderstorms which occur during most afternoons throughout the year (Fig. 12.10

). These storms are due to the convergence of warm air (the trade winds). The warm air is forced to rise, creating an area of low pressure and giving heavy rain (Fig. 13.1

) .

Some places, like Manaus, may have two or three drier, but not dry, months when the sun is overhead at the opposite tropic

(which is Cancer in the case of Manaus), and most rain when the sun is closer to being overhead. Winds are generally light (the doldrums are areas of calm over equatorial oceans) and variable

(there are no prevailing winds, Figure 13.1

). The equatorial climate is characterised by its high humidity, a lack of seasonal change, and a daily weather pattern that remains remarkably uniform throughout the year.

30

Work in pairs: Read the following text and answer the questions: a) Look for the doldrums in your Atlas and write down the German word: …

K b) Why are the winds generally light?: ………… c) The dryer month in Manaus are in July, August and September, why?? … d) Characterise the equatorial climate: ……….

Equatorial areas have annual rainfall totals in excess of 2000 mm, mainly due to convectional thunderstorms which occur during most afternoons throughout the year

(Fig. 12.10

). These storms are due to the convergence of warm air (the trade winds).

The warm air is forced to rise, creating an area of low pressure and giving heavy rain

(Fig. 13.1

) .

Some places, like Manaus, may have two or three drier, but not dry, months when the sun is overhead at the opposite tropic (which is Cancer in the case of Manaus), and most rain when the sun is closer to being overhead. Winds are generally light

(the doldrums are areas of calm over equatorial oceans) and variable (there are no prevailing winds, Figure 13.1


Work in pairs: Read the following text and answer the questions: a) Look for the doldrums in your Atlas and write down the German word: … b) Why are the winds generally light?: ………… c) The dryer month in Manaus are in July, August and September, why?? … d) Characterise the equatorial climate: ……….

Equatorial areas have annual rainfall totals in excess of 2000 mm, mainly due to convectional thunderstorms which occur during most afternoons throughout the year

(Fig. 12.10

). These storms are due to the convergence of warm air (the trade winds).

The warm air is forced to rise, creating an area of low pressure and giving heavy rain

(Fig. 13.1

) .

Some places, like Manaus, may have two or three drier, but not dry, months when the sun is overhead at the opposite tropic (which is Cancer in the case of Manaus), and most rain when the sun is closer to being overhead. Winds are generally light

(the doldrums are areas of calm over equatorial oceans) and variable (there are no prevailing winds, Figure 13.1

). The equatorial climate is characterised by its high humidity, a lack of seasonal change, and a daily weather pattern that remains

31 remarkably uniform throughout the year.

The daily pattern

One day is very much like another, with places receiving 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The sun rises at 0600 hours and its heat soon evaporates the morning mist, the heavy overnight dew, and any moisture remaining from the previous afternoon

´s storm. Even by 0800 hours temperatures are as high as 25 °C and by noon, when the sun is near to a vertical position, they reach 33 °C. The high temperatures cause air to rise in powerful convection currents. The rising air, which is very moist due to rapid evapotranspiration from swamps, rivers and the rainforest vegetation (Figure 13.4),

Cools on reaching higher altitudes. When it cools to its dew point

– the temperature at which water vapour condenses back into water droplets –large cumulus clouds develop. By mid-afternoon these clouds have grown into black, towering cumulonimbus which produce torrential downpours, accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Such storms soon cease, leaving the air calm. By sunset, at about 1800 hours, the clouds have already begun to break up.

Nights are warm (23 °C) and very humid. As one nineteenthcentury botanist wrote while exploring the Amazon area, ´Such conditions are similar throughout the year, seemingly one long tropical day ´.

K

Work in pairs: Read the following text and summarize the daily pattern of the Equatorial Climates in some few short points: ……….

The daily pattern: One day is very much like another, with places receiving 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The sun rises at 0600 hours and its heat soon evaporates the morning mist, the heavy overnight dew, and any moisture remaining from the previous afternoon

´s storm.

Even by 0800 hours temperatures are as high as 25 °C and by noon, when the sun is near to a vertical position, they reach 33

°C. The high temperatures cause air to rise in powerful convection currents. The rising air, which is very moist due to rapid evapotranspiration from swamps, rivers and the rainforest vegetation (Figure 13.4),

Cools on reaching higher altitudes. When it cools to its dew point – the temperature at which water vapour condenses back into water droplets –large cumulus clouds develop. By mid-afternoon these clouds have grown into black, towering cumulonimbus which produce torrential downpours, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Such storms soon cease, leaving the air calm. By sunset, at about 1800 hours, the clouds have already begun to break up. Nights are warm (23

°C) and very humid. As one nineteenth-century botanist wrote while exploring the Amazon area, ´Such conditions are similar throughout the year, seemingly one long tropical day ´.

Work in pairs: Read the following text and summarize the daily pattern of the Equatorial Climates in some few short points: ……….

The daily pattern: One day is very much like another, with places receiving 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The sun rises at 0600 hours and its heat soon evaporates the morning mist, the heavy overnight dew, and any moisture remaining from the previous afternoon ´s storm.

Even by 0800 hours temperatures are as high as 25 °C and by noon, when the sun is near to a vertical position, they reach 33

°C. The high temperatures cause air to rise in powerful convection currents. The rising air, which is very moist due to rapid evapotranspiration from swamps, rivers and the rainforest vegetation (Figure 13.4),

Cools on reaching higher altitudes. When it cools to its dew point – the temperature at which water vapour condenses back into water droplets –large cumulus clouds develop. By mid-afternoon these clouds have grown into black, towering cumulonimbus which produce torrential downpours,

33 at about 1800 hours, the clouds have already begun to break up. Nights are warm (23

°C) and very humid. As one nineteenth-century botanist wrote while exploring the Amazon area, ´Such conditions are similar throughout the year, seemingly one long tropical day ´.

Tropical continental (interior)

This climate is found in central parts of continents, away from coasts, and mainly between latitudes 5 ° and 15° north and south of the Equator (Figure 13.2).

This includes the Brazilian Highlands and parts of Venezuela (South America), northern Australia, and a large semi-circle surrounding the Congo basin (Africa). This last area includes Kenya which, although straddling the Equator, lies at an altitude too high to share the main features of the equatorial climate. The main characteristic of the tropical continental climate, as illustrated by the climate graph for Timbuktu in southern Mali

(Figure 13.5

), is alternate wet and dry seasons,

Timbuktu (Mali) 16 °50Ń; Altitude 250 m



34

a) Colorize the tropical continental climates in Figure 13.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) and name the main areas of Equatorial climates b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of Timbuktu and localize Timbuktu in your Atlas and in Figure 13.2

Tropical continental (interior)

Timbuktu (Mali) 16

°50Ń; Altitude 250 m Annual range of temperature 13 °C



This includes the

Brazilian Highlands and parts of Venezuela

(South America), northern Australia, and a large semi-circle surrounding the Congo basin

(Africa). This last area includes Kenya which, although straddling the Equator, lies at an altitude too high to share the main features of the equatorial climate. The main characteristic of the tropical continental climate, as illustrated by the climate graph for Timbuktu in southern

Mali (Figure 13.5

), is alternate wet and dry seasons, a) Colorize the tropical continental climates in Figure 13.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) and name the main areas of Equatorial climates b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of Timbuktu and localize Timbuktu in your Atlas and in Figure 13.2

Tropical continental (interior) Timbuktu (Mali) 16 °50Ń; Altitude 250 m Annual range of temperature 13

°C


This climate is found in central parts of continents, away from coasts, and mainly between latitudes 5

° and 15° north and south of the Equator (Figure 13.2).

This includes the

Brazilian Highlands and parts of Venezuela

(South America), northern Australia, and a large semi-circle surrounding the Congo basin

(Africa). This last area includes Kenya which, although straddling the Equator, lies at an altitude too high to share the main features of the equatorial climate. The main characteristic of the tropical continental climate, as illustrated by the climate graph for Timbuktu in southern

Mali (Figure 13.5


35

which are caused by the apparent movement of the overhead sun

(Figure 13.6

). The hot, wet season occurs at Timbuktu when the sun is overhead in the northern hemisphere ( 21 June-Figure

13.6b

). Temperatures rise as the sun takes a more vertical position and because places are too far inland to be affected by any moderating influence of the sea. However, temperatures fall slightly in July and August as cloud cover and rainfall increase.

The frequent afternoon convectional thunderstorms mean that the climate resembles, at this time of year, that of equatorial areas.

Unfortunately both the length of the rainy season and the total amounts of rain are unreliable and many areas, especially those with increasing distance from the Equator in Africa, have experienced severe drought in recent years (Case Study 13A).

The dry, slightly cooler season at Timbuktu occurs when the sun is overhead in the opposite (i.e. southern) hemisphere (21

December – Figure 13.6d

).

Timbuktu

Timbuktu

Timbuktu Timbuktu

36

The apparent movement of the sun southwards is accompanied by the movement of the equatorial low pressure and the global wind belts (Figure 13.6 and page 210 ) so that the area is now influenced by the prevailing trade winds. The trade winds, blowing from the east, will have shed any moisture long before they reach these inland areas. Indeed, as the sun is still at a sufficiently high angle to give quite high temperatures, the climate here at this time of year remembers that of the hot deserts. (Remember that for places south of the Equator, the seasonal pattern described here is reversed.)

37

Read the following description and explain the whole process on the basis of Figure13.6 and your Atlas at page……

K

…which are caused by the apparent movement of the overhead sun (Figure 13.6

). The hot, wet season occurs at Timbuktu when the sun is overhead in the northern hemisphere ( 21 June-Figure

13.6b

). Temperatures rise as the sun takes a more vertical position and because places are too far inland to be affected by any moderating influence of the sea. However, temperatures fall slightly in

July and August as cloud cover and rainfall increase. The frequent afternoon convectional thunderstorms mean that the climate resembles, at this time of year, that of equatorial areas.

Unfortunately both the length of the rainy season and the total amounts of rain are unreliable and many areas, especially those with increasing distance from the Equator in Africa, have experienced severe drought in recent years (Case Study 13A).

The dry, slightly cooler season at Timbuktu occurs when the sun is overhead in the opposite (i.e. southern) hemisphere (21 December – Figure 13.6d

).

The apparent movement of the sun southwards is accompanied by the movement of the equatorial low pressure and the global wind belts (Figure 13.6 and page 210 ) so that the area is now influenced by the prevailing trade winds. The trade winds, blowing from the east, will have shed any moisture long before they reach these inland areas. Indeed, as the sun is still at a sufficiently high angle to give quite high temperatures, the climate here at this time of year remembers that of the hot deserts. (Remember that for places south of the Equator, the seasonal pattern described here is reversed.)

Timbuktu

Timbuktu

Timbuktu Timbuktu

38


The monsoon

The word monsoon means “a season”. In much of Southeast

Asia, as seen in the climate graph for Mumbai (Bombay) (Figure

13.7), there are two seasons. These, the so-called south-west monsoon and the north-east monsoon, result from the reversal in the direction of the prevailing wind.

39

a) Colorize the monsoon climates in Figure 13.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) and name the main areas of monsoon climates climates b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of Mumbai and localize Mumbai in your


The monsoon

The word monsoon means “a season”. In much of

Southeast Asia, as seen in the climate graph for

Mumbai (Bombay) (Figure 13.7), there are two seasons. These, the so-called south-west monsoon and the north-east monsoon, result from the reversal in the direction of the prevailing wind.

a) Colorize the monsoon climates in Figure 13.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) and name the main areas of monsoon climates climates b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of Mumbai and localize Mumbai in your


The monsoon

The word monsoon means “a season”. In much of

Southeast Asia, as seen in the climate graph for

Mumbai (Bombay) (Figure 13.7), there are two seasons. These, the so-called south-west monsoon and the north-east monsoon, result from the reversal in the direction of the prevailing wind.

40

K

The south-west monsoon (Figure 13.8) the sun appears to be overhead at the Tropic of Cancer in June.

Places to the north of the Himalayas, which are a long way from any moderating influence of the sea, become extremely hot. As the hot air rises, an extensive area of low pressure is formed and warm, moist air is drawn northwards from the Indian Ocean.

Where the air is forced to rise over mountains

(e.g. the Western Ghats and the Himalayas), it gives large amounts of relief rainfall (Figure

12.8).

Mumbai gets over 2000 mm in five months and Cherrapunji, reputed to be the wettest place on Earth, 14000 mm. The rain, ideal for rice (Case Study 7), can cause extensive flooding in north of the Himalayas, being in the rainshadow, remain dry.

Read the following description and explain the whole process on the basis of Figure13.8, 12.8 and your

Atlas at page……

The south-west monsoon (Figure 13.8) the sun appears to be overhead at the

Tropic of Cancer in June. Places to the north of the Himalayas, which are a long way from any moderating influence of the sea, become extremely hot. As the hot air rises, an extensive area of low pressure is formed and warm, moist air is drawn northwards from the Indian Ocean. Where the air is forced to rise over mountains (e.g. the Western Ghats and the Himalayas), it gives large amounts of relief rainfall (Figure

12.8).


Prevailing winds pick up moisture form the sea (evaporation)

Air descend, warms, and is able to pick up moisture

Air is cooled to dew point.

Condensation occurs. Clouds and eventually rain are formed

Winds forced to rise by mountains. Rising air cools

K

Winds forced to rise by mountains. Rising air cools

Prevailing winds pick up moisture form

Air is cooled to dew point.

Condensation occurs. Clouds and eventually rain are formed

Air descend, warms, and is able to pick up moisture

Mumbai gets over 2000 mm in five months and

Cherrapunji, reputed to be the wettest place on Earth,

14000 mm. The rain, ideal for rice (Case Study 7), can cause extensive flooding in the Ganges basin, while places north of the

Himalayas, being in the rain shadow, remain dry.

42

The north-east monsoon (Figure 13.9

)

During the northern winter, the overhead son moves southwards.

Places to the north of the

Himalayas now become very cold and an extensive area of high pressure develops.

Winds blow outwards from the high pressure area but, because they originate in a dry area, they give only small amounts of rain as they cross India – Mumbai, for example, only receives

45 mm in seven months.

By the end of the ´dry´ season, many places are at risk of drought.

43

Read the following description and explain the whole process on the basis of

Figure13.9 and your Atlas at page……


) During the northern winter, the overhead son moves southwards. Places to the north of the


Winds blow outwards from the high pressure area but, because they originate in a dry area, they give only small amounts of rain as they cross India

– Mumbai, for example, only receives 45 mm in seven months. By the end of the

´dry´ season, many places are at risk of drought.

K

Read the following description and explain the whole process on the basis of

Figure13.9 and your Atlas at page……


) During the northern winter, the overhead son moves southwards. Places to the north of the


Winds blow outwards from the high pressure area but, because they originate in a dry area, they give only small amounts of rain as they cross India – Mumbai, for example, only receives 45 mm in seven months. By the end of the

´dry´ season, many places are at risk of drought.

44

Mediterranean

Places with a Mediterranean climate are found on the west coast of continents between latitudes 30 ° an 40° north an south of the

Equator ( Figure 13.2

) Apart from the area surrounding the

Mediterranean Sea, where the climate does extend inland, this climate also occurs in California, central Chile, around Cape Town in South Africa and in parts of southern Australia. The climate is characterised by hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters, as shown by the climate graph for Rom.

Summers are hot . This is partly because the sun is at a high angle in the sky (though never directly overhead) and the prevailing winds blow from the warm land. Places next to oceans

(but not those around the Mediterranean Sea) are cooler due to the moderating influence of the sea (San Francisco is no warmer than southern England). As the wind also blows across a dry land surface, it is unable to pick up much moisture. Apart from an occasional thunderstorm, most places have several months of dry and sunny weather.

Winters are warm, for although the sun is lower in the sky, it is still higher than places further from the Equator (like Britain).

However, the prevailing winds have reversed direction and now blow from the sea. This helps to keep coastal areas warm, and also brings warm, moist air which, as it is forced to rise over the many coastal mountains, gives large amounts of relief rainfall

( Figure 12.8

) Even so, wet days are usually separated by several that are warm and sunny.

45

a) Colorize the Mediterranean climates in Figure 13.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) and name the main areas of Mediterranean climates K b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of Rom and localize Rom in your Atlas and in Figure 13.2

Mediterranean

Places with a Mediterranean climate are found on the west coast of continents between latitudes

30 ° an 40° north an south of the Equator ( Figure 13.2



Summers are hot . This is partly because the sun is at a high angle in the sky (though never directly overhead) and the prevailing winds blow from the warm land. Places next to oceans (but not those around the Mediterranean Sea) are cooler due to the moderating influence of the sea

(San Francisco is no warmer than southern England). As the wind also blows across a dry land surface, it is unable to pick up much moisture. Apart from an occasional thunderstorm, most places have several months of dry and sunny weather.

Winters are warm, for although the sun is lower in the sky, it is still higher than places further from the Equator (like Britain). However, the prevailing winds have reversed direction and now blow from the sea. This helps to keep coastal areas warm, and also brings warm, moist air which, as it is forced to rise over the many coastal mountains, gives large amounts of relief rainfall ( Figure 12.8

)

Even so, wet days are usually separated by several that are warm and sunny.

a) Colorize the Mediterranean climates in Figure 13.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) and name the main areas of Mediterranean climates b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of Rom and localize Rom in your Atlas and in Figure 13.2

Mediterranean

Places with a Mediterranean climate are found on the west coast of continents between latitudes

30

° an 40° north an south of the Equator (

Figure 13.2



Summers are hot . This is partly because the sun is at a high angle in the sky (though never directly overhead) and the prevailing winds blow from the warm land. Places next to oceans (but not those around the Mediterranean Sea) are cooler due to the moderating influence of the sea

(San Francisco is no warmer than southern England). As the wind also blows across a dry land surface, it is unable to pick up much moisture. Apart from an occasional thunderstorm, most places have several months of dry and sunny weather.

Winters are warm, for although the sun is lower in the sky, it is still higher than places further from the Equator (like Britain). However, the prevailing winds have reversed direction and now blow from the sea. This helps to keep coastal areas warm, and also brings warm, moist air which, as it is forced to rise over the many coastal mountains, gives large amounts of relief rainfall ( Figure 12.8

)

Even so, wet days are usually separated by several that are warm and sunny.

46

Cold climate

The cold climate is found to the pole ward side of 60 °N in

Eurasia, where it extends from

Scandinavia across Russia to the Pacific, and across North

America, central Alaska and northern Canada (Figure

13.2). The graph for Fairbanks shows the large annual range in temperature that typifies this type of climate. Winters are very long, dark and extremely cold. This is partly due to the northerly latitude which, for places within the Arctic Circle, means a period of time when the sun fails to rise above the horizon, and partly due to the distance from any moderating influence of the sea. Strong winds can lower temperatures, increase the wind-chill factor and bring the risk of frostbite. Summers are short but relatively warm for the latitude. This is partly due to the long hours of daylight (the sun does not set at all for a short time each year at places within the

Arctic Circle, although its angle is always low in the sky) and partly due to its continental location far from the influence of the sea.

Precipitation is light throughout the year partly because the air is too cold to hold much moisture and partly because most places are a long way from any rain-bearing winds from the sea. It falls as snow in winter and may be blown about in blizzards. The summer maximum results from occasional convectional rainstorms occurring when temperatures are at their highest.

47

a) Colorize the cold climates in Figure 13.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) and name the main areas of cold climates

Cold climate b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of

Fairbanks and localize Fairbanks in your Atlas and in

K

Figure 13.2

The cold climate is found to the pole ward side of 60

°N in

Eurasia, where it extends from Scandinavia across Russia to the Pacific, and across North America, central Alaska and northern Canada (Figure 13.2). The graph for Fairbanks shows the large annual range in temperature that typifies this type of climate. Winters are very long, dark and extremely cold. This is partly due to the northerly latitude which, for places within the Arctic Circle, means a period of time when the sun fails to rise above the horizon, and partly due to the distance from any moderating influence of the sea. Strong winds can lower temperatures, increase the wind-chill factor and bring the risk of frost-bite.

Summers are short but relatively warm for the latitude. This is partly due to the long hours of daylight (the sun does not set at all for a short time each year at places within the Arctic Circle, although its angle is always low in the sky) and partly due to its continental location far from the influence of the sea. Precipitation is light throughout the year partly because the air is too cold to hold much moisture and partly because most places are a long way from any rain-bearing winds from the sea. It falls as snow in winter and may be blown about in blizzards. The summer maximum results from occasional convectional rainstorms occurring when temperatures are at their highest.

a) Colorize the cold climates in Figure 13.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) and name the main areas of cold climates b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of

Fairbanks and localize Fairbanks in your Atlas and in

Figure 13.2

The cold climate is found to the pole ward side of 60

°N in

Eurasia, where it extends from Scandinavia across Russia

Cold climate to the Pacific, and across North America, central Alaska and northern Canada (Figure 13.2). The graph for Fairbanks shows the large annual range in temperature that typifies this type of climate. Winters are very long, dark and extremely cold. This is partly due to the northerly latitude which, for places within the Arctic Circle, means a period of time when the sun fails to rise above the horizon, and partly due to the distance from any moderating influence of the sea. Strong winds can lower temperatures, increase the wind-chill factor and bring the risk of frost-bite.

Summers are short but relatively warm for the latitude. This is partly due to the long hours of daylight (the sun does not set at all for a short time each year at places within the Arctic Circle, although its angle is always low in the sky) and partly due to its continental location far from the influence of the sea. Precipitation is light throughout the year partly because the air is too cold to hold much moisture and partly because most places are a long way from any rain-bearing winds from the sea. It falls as snow in winter and may be blown about in blizzards. The summer maximum results from occasional convectional rainstorms occurring when temperatures are at their highest.

48

Work in pairs and answer the following questions as a recapitulation: a) Some climates are described in the last few lessons. Their locations are shown in Figure 13.2. Match each of the six climates with the following descriptions:

-hot, dry summers; warm, wet winters

-hot, very wet summers; very warm, dry winters

-long cold winters, short warm summers, little rain

-hot, wet and humid all year

-cool summers; mild winters; rain all year

-hot, wet summers, warm, dry winters

K b) Make a copy of the table below.

-fill in the left-hand column by choosing three of the climate types

-complete the table by using information from the relevant climate graph and text.

c) For each of the three climate types which you selected in (b):

-name the part, or parts, of the world in which it is located.

-explain how it is affected by:

-latitude (angle of the sun)

-distance from the sea

-prevailing winds.

-give reasons for any seasonal differences in climate.

49

Vocabulary list: Excel

50

Test A Name:…………………… Klasse: 1HW Datum: 30.1.2006

1. Why do global temperatures increase towards the Equator? 2P

2. Why are prevailing winds from the sea: 1P x warmer in winter x cooler in summer?

3. Why can snow be found in some places on the Equator: 1P

4. Characterise the equatorial climate: 3P

5. Analyze the climate graph of Manaus 2P

6. Describe the south-west monsoon: 2P

Punkte 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Note 5 4 3 2 1

51

Test A

Mit Antworten Klasse: 1HW Datum: 30.1.2006

1. Why do global temperatures increase towards the Equator?

The equatorial, tropical continental and monsoon climates are therefore much warmer than places nearer to the poles . This is due to the curvature of the Earth and the angle of the sun. At the Equator the sun is always high in the sky.

When it is overhead it shines directly downwards, concentrating its heat into a small area which will become very hot.

In contrast, the sun is always low in the sky towards the poles. This means that its heat is spread over a wide area , and so temperatures remain lower . Notice also that the lower the angle of the sun, the greater the amount of atmosphere through which the rays have to pass. This means that more heat will be lost to gases, dust and cloud in the atmosphere. This is why places in the south of Britain can expect to be warmer, especially in summer, than places further north .

2. Why are prevailing winds from the sea: x warmer in winter x cooler in summer?

Prevailing winds: Prevailing winds will bring warm weather if they pass over warm surfaces (the land in summer, the sea in winter) and cold weather if they blow across cold surfaces (the land in winter, the sea in summer). As Britain

´s prevailing winds are from the south-west , they are cool in summer but warm (mild) in winter.

3. Why can snow be found in some places on the Equator :

Altitude: Temperatures decrease , on average, by 1 °C for every 100 meters in height. As many parts of the Scottish

Highlands are over 1000 meters, they will be at least 10 °C cooler than coastal places. In fact, the wind chill factor will make them even colder, and enables snow to lie for long periods during winter.

4. Characterise the equatorial climate:

Equatorial areas have annual rainfall totals in excess of 2000 mm, mainly due to convectional thunderstorms which occur during most afternoons throughout the year (Fig. 12.10

). These storms are due to the convergence of warm air

(the trade winds). The warm air is forced to rise, creating an area of low pressure and giving heavy rain (Fig. 13.1

) .

Some places, like Manaus, may have two or three drier, but not dry, months when the sun is overhead at the opposite tropic (which is Cancer in the case of Manaus), and most rain when the sun is closer to being overhead.

Winds are generally light (the doldrums are areas of calm over equatorial oceans) and variable (there are no prevailing winds, Figure 13.1


5. Analyze the climate graph of Manaus:

Figure 13.3 is a climate graph for Manaus which is located 3 ° south of the Equator and in the centre of the Amazon basin in Brazil. It shows that temperatures are both high and constant throughout the year. The small annual range of


).

6. Describe the south-west monsoon:

The south-west monsoon (Figure 13.8) the sun appears to be overhead at the Tropic of Cancer in June. Places to the north of the Himalayas, which are a long way from any moderating influence of the sea, become extremely hot. As the hot air rises, an extensive area of low pressure is formed and warm, moist air is drawn northwards from the Indian Ocean. Where the air is forced to rise over mountains (e.g. the Western Ghats and the

Himalayas), it gives large amounts of relief rainfall (Figure 12.8).

52

Test B Name:…………………… Klasse: 1HW Datum: 30.1.2006

1. Why do places in the centre of continents have warmer summers and colder winters than places that have a coastal location?

2. How can ocean currents affect the temperatures of coastal areas?

3. Why can snow be found in some places on the Equator.

4. Characterise the daily pattern of the Equatorial Climates in some few short points:

6. Describe the north- east monsoon:

Punkte 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Note 5 4 3 2 1

53

Test B

Mit Antworten Klasse: 1HW Datum: 30.1.2006

1. Why do places in the centre of continents have warmer summers and colder winters than places that have a coastal location?

Distance from the sea: The sea (a liquid) is less dense than the land (a solid) and can be heated to a greater depth.

This means that the sea takes much longer to heat up in summer than does the land. Once warmed, however, the sea retains its heat for much longer, and cools down more slowly than the land in winter. This is why places that are inland are warmer in summer but colder in winter than places on the coast. As Britain is surrounded by the sea, it tends to get cool summers and mild winters . The largest reservoir of heat in winter is the Atlantic Ocean, even though it is still cold enough to die from hypothermia within a few minutes should you fall into it. This explains why western parts of Britain are warmer than places to the east in winter.

2. How can ocean currents affect the temperatures of coastal areas?

Ocean currents: Many coastal areas are affected by ocean currents. The North Atlantic Drift is a warm current of water which originates in the Gulf of Mexico. It keeps the west coast of Britain much warmer in winter than other places in similar latitudes

.

3. Why can snow be found in some places on the Equator.

Altitude: Temperatures decrease , on average, by 1 °C for every 100 meters in height. As many parts of the Scottish

Highlands are over 1000 meters, they will be at least 10 °C cooler than coastal places. In fact, the wind chill factor will make them even colder, and enables snow to lie for long periods during winter.

4. Characterise the daily pattern of the Equatorial Climates in some few short points:

The daily pattern: One day is very much like another, with places receiving 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The sun rises at 0600 hours and its heat soon evaporates the morning mist, the heavy overnight dew, and any moisture remaining from the previous afternoon ´s storm. Even by 0800 hours temperatures are as high as 25°C and by noon, when the sun is near to a vertical position, they reach 33 °C. The high temperatures cause air to rise in powerful convection currents. The rising air, which is very moist due to rapid evapotranspiration from swamps, rivers and the rainforest vegetation (Figure 13.4), Cools on reaching higher altitudes. When it cools to its dew point – the temperature at which water vapour condenses back into water droplets –large cumulus clouds develop. By midafternoon these clouds have grown into black, towering cumulonimbus which produce torrential downpours, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Such storms soon cease, leaving the air calm. By sunset, at about 1800 hours, the clouds have already begun to break up. Nights are warm (23 °C) and very humid. As one nineteenth-century botanist wrote while exploring the Amazon area, ´Such conditions are similar throughout the year, seemingly one long tropical day ´.

5. Analyze the climate graph of Timbuktu:


This includes the

Brazilian Highlands and parts of Venezuela (South America), northern Australia, and a large semi-circle surrounding the Congo basin (Africa). This last area includes Kenya which, although straddling the Equator, lies at an altitude too high to share the main features of the equatorial climate. The main characteristic of the tropical continental climate, as illustrated by the climate graph for Timbuktu in southern Mali (Figure 13.5


6.

Describe the north- east monsoon:


) During the northern winter, the overhead son moves southwards. Places to the north of the Himalayas now become very cold and an extensive area of high pressure develops. Winds blow

54 rain as they cross India – Mumbai, for example, only receives 45 mm in seven months. By the end of the ´dry´ season, many places are at risk of drought.

World Climate

Presentation of the teaching preparation

• The main topics I have prepared

• My teaching objectives

• My framework

• Methods and experiences

55

World Climate


-Connection between atmospheric circulation and world climates. (Figure, text, explanation)

-Importrant causes of wind developing: High-pressure, lowpressure, earth rotation (Figure, text, explanation)


-Latitude and distance from the sea

-Prevailing winds, Ocean currents and Altitude


-Equatorial climates and the daily pattern

-Tropical continental climates (climate graphs, figures, Text)


-The monsoon

-Mediterranean and Cold climate (climate graphs, atlas, text)

5 th Recapitulation

-Answer questions in groups and produce a card-game

-Play the -question and answer- game.

56

My teaching objectives

• They should learn geographic contents

• They should learn the special terminology in English and in

.

German

• They should practice their English nearby

My Framework

• They are pupils from the HTL-Bregenz

•

The pupils are 15/16 years old, they are 9th graders

• Sometimes they are vocational pupils, sometimes they are pupils from the upper level

• There are big groups of 33 pupils

57

Methods and experiences

• Short steps at the beginning:

At the beginning they have to read small texts. A vocabulary list and figures help them to understand the contents easily.

They have to cross right answers, or to fill in suitable sentences.

To much subject matter: Four hours for the first topic

• Difficult contents are developed step by step: For example, the trade winds are developed in four steps. The experiences were very good: Five of 33 pupils were able to draw this ground plan self-dependent

• Reading and spelling by explaining for example a figure. They read the texts with their English teacher too (spelling).

• Recapitulation exercises in pairs

• They exercise the skills in English, which they have learned in

..

German.

• They answer questions in groups, produce a card-game and

...

play it.

58

1 st Atmospheric circulation and world climates K





0 ° (Equator)


Attend: The weight oft the air column above the ground is

0 the same as

0 more than


59

K


0 the higher latitudes (30 °N, 30°S) to the Equator

0 the Equator to the higher latitudes (30 °N, 30°S)

L H L km

12

8

H

30 ° N

L H

30 ° S

0 ° (equator)




L H L km

12

8

K

H

30 ° N



Hadley cell



Draw the ground plan of the surface winds

61

L H L km

12

8

H

30 ° N



Hadley cell



62

Read the following description and show the cycles at the basic of

Figure13.1 and 12.10 as well as in your Atlas at page……


The circulation is controlled by the build-up of heat at the

Equator, which causes air to rise (convection currents) and low pressure to form. As the rising air cools, it condenses to give thunderstorms before spreading outwards from the Equator.

As the air becomes denser (at 30 °N and 30°S), it descends to form a high pressure belt and, as it gets warmer and drier, an area of desert. Some of the descending air, on reaching the ground, returns to the Equator as the trade winds. The remainder moves away from the tropics (the westerlies) towards places like

Britain where, as warm, moist tropical air, it meets with colder polar air and is forced to rise, creating low pressure and depressions


This explanation is an oversimplified one (if it was not, then weather forecasting would be quite easy!). Due to the Earth ´s tilt and rotation, the position of the overhead sun appears to change, giving us our seasons. The northern hemisphere is hottest when the sun appears to be above the Tropic of Cancer (21 June). At this time, the pressure and wind belts move northwards. In contrast, the southern hemisphere is hottest when the sun appears to be over the Tropic of Capricorn (21 December), by which time the pressure and wind belts have moved south. The resultant changes in pressure and wind are responsible for the and the Mediterranean climate types.


- low at the Equator ?

- high about 30 ° from the Equator ?

- low at about 60 ° from the Equator ?

b) What is reponsible for this:

- the trade winds in the tropics

- the prevailing south-westerlies in Britain

- convectional rainfall on the Equator

K c) Draw a simple diagram to show the general circulation of the atmosphere. Your diagram should show the three circulation cells.



-low at the Equator

-high about 30 ° from the Equator

-low at about 60 ° from the Equator b) How does this pattern of high and low pressure account for:

-the trade winds in the tropics

-the prevailing south-westerlies in Britain

-convectional rainfall on the Equator c) Draw a simple diagram to show the general circulation of the atmosphere. Your diagram should show the three circulation cells.


64


Equatorial

Places with an equatorial climate lie within 5 ° either side of the

Equator. The main areas are the large drainage basins of the

Amazon (South America) and Congo (Africa) rivers and the extreme south-east of Asia (Fig. 13.2

). a) Colorize the Equatorial climates in Figure 13.2 like the master copy (overhead slide) and name the main areas of

Equatorial climates b) Read the following text, analyze the climate graph of

Manaus and loklisize Manaus in your Atlas and in Figure

13.2

Figure 13.3 is a climate graph for Manaus which is located 3 ° south of the

Manaus (Brazil) 3

°S; Altitude 44 m



Equator and in the centre of the Amazon basin in

Brazil. It shows that temperatures are both high and constant throughout the year. The small annual range of


).

65

66

67

Folie 1

“Englisch als Arbeitssprache ”

“WORLD CLIMATE”

World Climate

World Climate

Presentation of the teaching preparation

• The main topics I have prepared

• My teaching objectives

• My framework

• Methods and experiences

World Climate

My teaching objectives

My Framework

Methods and experiences

Related documents

Products

Support

Folie 1

“Englisch als Arbeitssprache ”

“WORLD CLIMATE”

World Climate

World Climate

Presentation of the teaching preparation

• The main topics I have prepared

• My teaching objectives

• My framework

• Methods and experiences

World Climate

My teaching objectives

My Framework

Methods and experiences

Related documents

Add this document to collection(s)

Add this document to saved

Suggest us how to improve StudyLib