"The Science of Climate: Principles, Change, and Impact" provides an in-depth exploration of the complex and dynamic field of climatology, designed to offer readers a clear understanding of climate science, its underlying principles, and its profound impact on the world. The book is structured to cover both foundational concepts as well as contemporary climate challenges, making it suitable for students, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about the science behind the world’s climate systems.
The first section of the book delves into the basic principles of climatology, offering a thorough explanation of the atmosphere, weather, and the different elements that drive climate. The interaction between the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, and oceans is explored in detail, along with the forces and processes that shape our planet's climate patterns. Readers will learn about key concepts such as the role of latitude, altitude, ocean currents, and wind systems, which all influence temperature, precipitation, and the overall climate of different regions.
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SUMMARIES - GRADE 12
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
AND
MAPWORK CALCULATIONS
RAJENDRA DAVECHAND
, Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com
PAPER 1
3.1.1 Climate and Weather
Mid-latitude cyclones (frontal depressions, extra-tropical cyclones)
General characteristics
Areas of formation
Conditions necessary for formation
Stages in the formation
Associated weather patterns:
Cold front conditions
Warm front conditions
Occluded front conditions
Cross-section through a mid-latitude cyclone
Cyclone families
Impact on human activities (social and economic) and the environment
Possible pre-cautionary and management strategies
Identification on synoptic weather maps and satellite images:
Identification of stages of development on synoptic weather maps
Impact of South Indian High and South Atlantic High on movement of the cyclone
Reading and interpretation of weather symbols, predicted weather and impact
R. Davech
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Mid-latitude cyclones
• Alternate names: temperate cyclones, extratropical cyclones. frontal depressions or wave cyclones
• Are low pressure weather systems that occur in the middle latitudes of the Earth, usually between 30° and 60°
north and south of the equator.
• This system is made up of a cold front and a warm front.
• The cold fronts reach and effect South Africa mostly in winter when the high pressure belts are in their norther
• Cold fronts effect South Africa winter bringing rainfall (Western Cape receives winter rainfall).
• Moves from east to west.
• The warm front is bent southwards away from South Africa and does not effect South Africa.
• Three or more of them are known as a family of cyclones.
• Moves from west to east
front is bent southwards away from South Africa and does not effect South Africa
R. Davech
, Downloaded from Stanmorephysics.com
Conditions for formation
• Form at the polar front
• Warm moist air from the subtropical high
pressure meets with cold dry air from the
polar high pressure at the polar front.
• These air masses blow past each other
in opposite directions.
• A disturbance along the polar front
causes unstable air resulting in a low
pressure.
• This results in the circulation of air.
R. Davec