Atmospheric Processes Affecting Climate (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Atmospheric Processes Affecting Climate
Climate describes the typical conditions resulting from various physical processes in the atmosphere
Atmospheric Processes Affecting Climate
Process | Explanation |
|---|---|
Solar radiation | Energy from sun reaches Earth's surface, varying in intensity due to Earth's tilt and rotation Heats equator more intensely than poles, creating temperature gradients Initiates atmospheric processes such as atmospheric circulation and convection currents |
Atmospheric circulation | Movement of air driven by solar heating and Earth's rotation, creating global wind patterns (Hadley, Ferrel and Polar cells), which transport heat and moisture |
Convection currents | Vertical movement of air due to temperature differences, creating weather phenomena (e.g. thunderstorms and tropical cyclones) |
Condensation and cloud formation | Atmospheric water vapour cools and condenses into liquid droplets or ice crystals Forms clouds that affect weather by reflecting sunlight and trapping infrared radiation |
Precipitation | Water droplets or ice crystals fall from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on temperature and atmospheric conditions |
Evaporation | Conversion of water from liquid to vapour phase due to heat, which then rises into the atmosphere |
Greenhouse effect | Natural process where atmospheric gases in trap heat from sun, making Earth's temperature suitable for life Anthropogenic activities increase concentration of greenhouse gases Enhances greenhouse effect, increases average annual temperatures and impacts many of the atmospheric processes outlined above |
The main factors influencing climate are seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation
These variations shape the long-term climate patterns of a region
Exam Tip
Don't get confused between weather and climate! Weather is the short-term atmospheric conditions (days to weeks) and is influenced by daily variations in temperature, humidity and air pressure.
Climate is the long-term average of weather conditions (typically over 30 years) and determines regional characteristics like vegetation and biodiversity.
A good way to remember this is: climate is what you expect (long-term patterns); weather is what you get (short-term conditions).
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