(1) Describe in detail Earth-Sun geometry and the annual march of the seasons. Be sure to include information about terms such as Earth’s axial tilt, axial parallelism, Plane of the Ecliptic, the difference between Earth’s revolution and rotation. Solstices, Equinoxes, Circle of Illumination.
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(2) (a) Draw a diagram showing the atmospheric structure based on temperature. Explain why the height of the Tropopause varies by latitude.
(b) Describe the atmospheric profile on the basis of function, focusing on the status of the ozone layer.
(c) Why is stratospheric ozone so important.
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(3) (a) Define the concept of temperature, and review the principle temperature controls that produce global temperature patterns.
(b) Explain how kinetic energy is connected to heat.
(c) Explain in as much detail as possible the four types of heat transfer: radiation, conduction, convection and advection and give practical applications Earth science examples of each.
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(4) Explain the driving forces within the atmosphere – gravity, pressure gradient force, Coriolis force, and Friction force – that affect wind.
Provide diagrams.
(a) How do spacing of isobars on a weather map relate to wind speed?
(b) How does the Coriolis force work appear to deflect atmospheric and oceanic circulations?
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(5) Explain what latent heat is and why it is termed hidden heat.
Explain evaporation and condensation in terms of latent heat, i.e. is their effect one of heating or cooling and why.
Define the following effects of hydrogen bonding in water: (a) cohesion (b) adhesion
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(6) Illustrate the hydrologic cycle with a simple sketch (nice artwork appreciated!), labeling the following water pathways: (a) Evaporation (b) Transpiration (c) Evapotranspiration (d) Interception (e) Infiltration (f) Overland Flow (g) Surface Runoff (h) Percolation (i) Soil-moisture Zone (j) Base Flow