Managing Local Weather Conditions

• Study notes on local weather conditions

Lesson 1: The Right Conditions

• People have historically used their skills and intelligence to manage extreme temperatures.
• Heating and air conditioning systems are used in buildings to regulate temperature and humidity for comfort and productivity.
• Air conditioning regulates temperature and humidity.
• Special glass domes can create controlled environments for recreation, such as holiday centers where people can enjoy a warm climate regardless of external weather, saving on travel costs.

Data Bank (Lesson 1)

• The human body functions optimally at 37.5°C, and temperature changes of even one degree can cause discomfort.
• Smart homes allow remote control of temperature and lighting via mobile phones.
• Air conditioning was invented around 1902 by Willis Carrier.

Mapwork (Lesson 1)

• Take temperature readings in different parts of your school.
• Record the results on a plan using three categories – warm, cold, average.

Lesson 2: Micro-climates

• Micro-climates are varying weather conditions in close proximity.
• Mountains exhibit the most significant micro-climate contrasts.

Three Main Influences on Weather

• Wind: Exposed hilltops are colder due to wind, making plant survival difficult. Sheltered areas are comparatively warmer.
• Slopes: Sun-facing slopes warm faster, while those facing away tend to be colder and damp.
• Height: Air temperature decreases by 1°C for every 100-150 meters in altitude.

Data Bank (Lesson 2)

• In flat areas, such as Lincolnshire farmers plant trees to shelter crops from the wind.
• In the Netherlands, tomatoes, lettuces and other crops are grown in greenhouses.
• At night, towns and cities are usually warmer than the surrounding countryside because buildings give off the heat they have absorbed during the day.

Lesson 3: Influencing the Weather

• Human activities, such as emissions from cars, factories, and power stations, release large amounts of fumes into the atmosphere.
• Air pollution is a significant environmental concern.

Acid Rain

• Sulphur and nitrogen pollution is carried by wind across large regions of Europe, North America, and East Asia.
• When these fumes fall as acid rain, they damage trees, poison lakes, and erode stonework.

Ozone Hole

• During winter, dangerous gases accumulate over Antarctica and the North Pole.
• These gases react with sunlight in the spring, depleting the ozone layer that protects Earth from harmful solar rays.

Smog

• Traffic fumes cause smog in many cities, especially in summer, leading to respiratory problems.
• Environmental groups emphasize that pollution may be increasing.

Global Warming

• The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased significantly in recent centuries, contributing to rising temperatures and potential sea-level increases.