PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
FALL 2011
ESSAY ONE: Sept 21

Directions:  You may use outlines (1 page per question)  on the first essay.  No sentences allowed, only 3-4 word phrases, map references, and locational examples.  Do not copy concepts from text, but put into your own words.  Review will occur on Sept .19.

1.        Geography is the study of earth systems, using maps to demonstrate cause and effect relationships.   Referring to  maps of Insolation at Earth’s surface (p.91 text), Ocean currents (p. 167 text) , and Daily Net Radiation (p. 50 text) explain how the Earth absorbs energy, relocates energy,  and releases energy to balance global temperatures.  Be sure to explain each map fully (identify high and low patterns and the cause of each pattern) and describe the connection between these maps.   If we are globally warming, how would the earth release this energy?

 

2.       Describe and demonstrate the latitudinal pattern of solar radiation received on a global basis.  How does the angle of incidence, tilt, and circle of illumination create these patterns?  Explain the subsolar locations and daylength variations for each season.  Using maps, illustrate how these patterns effect global temperatures, pressure systems, and ocean currents. 

3.       The subsolar point demonstrates the most direct angle of sun’s rays striking the Earth.  Describe and demonstrate this concept, using maps to illustrate where the greatest solar radiation is absorbed on an annual basis.  Use maps to show how the Earth’s tilt causes the subsolar location to change as the Earth revolves around the sun.  Explain how this energy stimulates the movement of the thermal equator and low pressure along the ITCZ on an annual basis. 

4.       Describe and demonstrate how the atmosphere balances Shortwave and Longwave radiation on a daily basis.  Next address how humans can alter surface albedo and atmospheric composition to create global warming or global cooling.  Evaluate one human impact on the atmosphere, its causes, its effect, and propose possible solutions for this problem.

5.       What is differential heating?  Describe and demonstrate the temperature characteristics of land and water to show how these substances heat and cool at different rates.  Be sure to define and explain the following concepts: specific heat, heat capacity, and albedo.  How do these differences create oceanality , continentality, and wind? To harness wind power, where could we place windmills to generate a consistent energy source?  How may global warming effect wind patterns?

6.       Describe and demonstrate the most significant processes which stabilize Earth’s atmospheric composition.  Be sure to address how these processes stimulate ozone creation and carbon storage.   Will the extraction of fossil fuels cause atmospheric devolution?  Identify one human impact and analyze its impact upon the atmosphere.  What actions or policies would you propose to promote future atmospheric health?