Weather and Climate: Inter-related topics
It is easy for students to forget or be unaware how areas of geography are heavily inter-connected. Weather and climate are closely connected to hazards, urbanisation, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, economy and ecosystems.
Weather, climate and hazards
The variables of weather and climate have created some of the most devastating natural disasters in our history. Hazards such as hurricanes and storm are becoming more frequent and more severe due to more unstable/changing atmospheric conditions. Therefore they are highly likely to be focuses of study in the future.
The variables of weather and climate have created some of the most devastating natural disasters in our history. Hazards such as hurricanes and storm are becoming more frequent and more severe due to more unstable/changing atmospheric conditions. Therefore they are highly likely to be focuses of study in the future.
Weather, climate and urbanisation
The main connection with weather and urbanisation is the existence of the urban heat island effect and the differences in micro-climates around settlements. Other connections surround the design of buildings and cities depending upon the 'normal' weather for that location, for example the inclusion of drainpipes, air conditioning, trees for shade etc.
The main connection with weather and urbanisation is the existence of the urban heat island effect and the differences in micro-climates around settlements. Other connections surround the design of buildings and cities depending upon the 'normal' weather for that location, for example the inclusion of drainpipes, air conditioning, trees for shade etc.
Weather, climate and agriculture
As the climate varies around the globe it makes sense that agriculture fairs better as an industry more in some countries than others. Plants all require different living conditions, different temperatures, various amounts of precipitation, sunlight and different types of soil. Typically it is the same countries that grow certain food and then export to countries than can only produce poor quality versions of those foods or even none at all. A major concern for countries that survive on the agriculture industry is future climate change. If climate zones shift then it may not be possible to grow foods in the same places around the world and potential food shortages would be a severe problem for everybody.
As the climate varies around the globe it makes sense that agriculture fairs better as an industry more in some countries than others. Plants all require different living conditions, different temperatures, various amounts of precipitation, sunlight and different types of soil. Typically it is the same countries that grow certain food and then export to countries than can only produce poor quality versions of those foods or even none at all. A major concern for countries that survive on the agriculture industry is future climate change. If climate zones shift then it may not be possible to grow foods in the same places around the world and potential food shortages would be a severe problem for everybody.
Weather, climate and tourism
It is common knowledge that people traditionally prefer holidays that are somewhere hot and sunny. The tourism industry thrives in places that have warmer, drier climates than places like the UK.
It is common knowledge that people traditionally prefer holidays that are somewhere hot and sunny. The tourism industry thrives in places that have warmer, drier climates than places like the UK.
Weather, climate and renewable energy
Due to the fears about climate change and the accelerated greenhouse effect scientists are beginning to explore cleaner ways of generating energy. Some of these new sources of energy include variables of weather and climate. The main discoveries include solar power, wind power, and hydro-electric power.
Due to the fears about climate change and the accelerated greenhouse effect scientists are beginning to explore cleaner ways of generating energy. Some of these new sources of energy include variables of weather and climate. The main discoveries include solar power, wind power, and hydro-electric power.
Weather, climate and the economy
As explained further up this page, the weather and climate of a place can influence the energy industry, the agriculture industry and tourism. All of these can contribute majorly to a countries economy and can also cost a great deal to maintain. Once again hazards will also undoubtedly affect the economy of areas prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. Defences are expensive for floods and high winds, as are the cost to repair damages caused by them.
As explained further up this page, the weather and climate of a place can influence the energy industry, the agriculture industry and tourism. All of these can contribute majorly to a countries economy and can also cost a great deal to maintain. Once again hazards will also undoubtedly affect the economy of areas prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. Defences are expensive for floods and high winds, as are the cost to repair damages caused by them.
Weather, climate and ecosystems
To a certain extent the weather and climate differences around the world determine what type of ecosystem develops. The local precipitation, temperature, humidity and wind characteristics can heavily influence what type of vegetation and wildlife inhabits that area. Plants and animals also adapt to changes in the weather and climate, e.g. fur coats in colder climates, storing water in warmer climates.
To a certain extent the weather and climate differences around the world determine what type of ecosystem develops. The local precipitation, temperature, humidity and wind characteristics can heavily influence what type of vegetation and wildlife inhabits that area. Plants and animals also adapt to changes in the weather and climate, e.g. fur coats in colder climates, storing water in warmer climates.
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