Question 1: What is a 'depression' in meteorological terms?

Answer: A low-pressure weather system characterized by rising air, cloud formation, and precipitation.

Question 2: Define 'Jet Stream' and explain its role in weather systems.

Answer: A high-altitude, fast-flowing air current that influences weather patterns by steering storm systems and affecting temperature distribution.

Question 3: Name the primary atmospheric layer where most weather phenomena occur.

Answer: Troposphere

Question 4: Give an example of a major weather system that affects the UK.

Answer: Atlantic depression

Question 5: What is the 'Indian Ocean Dipole'?

Answer: A climate phenomenon characterized by the difference in sea surface temperatures between the western and eastern Indian Ocean, affecting monsoon and drought patterns.

Question 1: What atmospheric conditions typically lead to the formation of a cyclone?

Answer: Warm sea surface temperatures, low vertical wind shear, high humidity, and Coriolis effect.

Question 2: Identify the main difference between a warm front and a cold front.

Answer: A warm front occurs when warm air advances over cooler air, leading to gradual precipitation, whereas a cold front involves cold air displacing warm air, often causing abrupt weather changes.

Question 3: Name the primary region responsible for driving the jet stream's movement across the Northern Hemisphere.

Answer: The polar jet stream over the Arctic region.

Question 4: What is the typical lifespan of a mid-latitude cyclone?

Answer: Approximately 3 to 7 days.

Question 5: Describe how the 'El Niño' phenomenon affects weather patterns globally.

Answer: El Niño involves the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, leading to altered jet streams and weather patterns such as increased rainfall in South America and droughts in Australia and Indonesia.

Question 1: Analyze how the Atlantic depression system contributed to the severe weather experienced during the 2019 UK winter storms.

Answer: The Atlantic depression, driven by the jet stream’s position over the North Atlantic, brought moist, unstable air into the UK, leading to heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding. Its persistence and path intensified the storm’s severity, causing widespread disruption and highlighting the influence of atmospheric dynamics on regional weather.

Question 2: Evaluate the effectiveness of the UK's flood management strategies in response to the 2019 winter storms.

Answer: The UK's flood management strategies, including the Thames Barrier, flood plain zoning, and improved drainage systems, proved moderately effective in reducing flood damage. However, challenges remain due to the increasing frequency and intensity of storms driven by climate change. Overall, while these measures mitigated some impacts, there is a need for further investment and adaptive planning to enhance resilience.

Question 1: Explain why the Indian Ocean Dipole influences monsoon rainfall patterns in East Africa.

Answer: The Indian Ocean Dipole causes sea surface temperature differences that alter atmospheric pressure and wind patterns. A positive dipole leads to cooler eastern Indian Ocean and warmer western areas, weakening monsoon winds and reducing rainfall in East Africa, while a negative dipole has the opposite effect, increasing monsoon rainfall.

Question 2: Analyse the role of the jet stream in steering extratropical cyclones across Europe.

Answer: The jet stream acts as a guiding airflow at high altitudes, directing the movement of extratropical cyclones. Its position and strength determine the path and intensity of storms affecting Europe. A meandering jet stream can lead to prolonged weather patterns, while a strong, fast-moving jet stream can accelerate storm progression.

Question 1: To what extent are current global climate policies effective in reducing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events caused by Weather Systems?

Answer: Global climate policies, such as commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy, are crucial for mitigating climate change, which influences Weather Systems. While these policies show promise, their effectiveness varies due to uneven implementation and political will. Many regions continue to experience increased frequency and severity of storms, indicating that current measures are only partially effective. Long-term success requires global cooperation, technological innovation, and adaptive strategies to address the complex interactions between climate change and Weather Systems.