001 - Atmosphere and Change

Syllabus Point

Describe (AO1) the functioning of the atmospheric system in terms of the energy balance between solar and longwave radiation.

Explain (AO2) the changes in this balance due to external forcings (changes in solar radiation, changes in the albedo of the atmosphere and changes in the longwave radiation returned to space).

Discuss (AO3) the causes and environmental consequences of global climate change.

Key Terminology

• Describe
• Explain
• Discuss
• Atmospheric System
• Solar or Short-Wave Radiation
• Longwave Radiation
• Albedo Effect
• Climate Change

Define the words above using your 'Geography Course Companion' text book by Nagle and Cooke, the 'Command Term' posters in the classroom or by using the links below:

Useful Resources

• Atmospheric System
• Google Definition: Solar Radiation
• Google Definition: Long-Wave Radiation
• Google Definition: Albedo Effect
• NASA Definition: Climate Change

Activity One - Watch and Research

Watch the youtube clips and begin to fill in the table below.

Complete the table below using the recommended resources underneath the table.

Useful Resources

• Teacher Tech - Composition of the Atmosphere
• National Geographic - Ozone Layer
• European Commission - Causes of Climate Change
• NASA - Causes of Climate Change
• NASA - Climate Change, Vital Signs
• Live Science - Global Warming

Energy budgets from Cambridge Online Learning Support

Activity Two - Exam Style Question

Climate Change is only caused by humans. Discuss (15 marks)

Plan out the essay above using the essay grid below and information you have recorded in activity one. Remember your arguments need to be balanced so you also need to include how climate change may have been influenced by nature.

Useful Resources