Higher Environmental Science @ Gairloch High School

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Lesson 1 - What is the atmosphere composed of?

Lesson 2 - How is energy distributed in the atmosphere?

Lesson 3 - How does atmospheric circulation work?

Revision Tasks

Lesson 4 - What influence does the atmosphere have on determining biomes?�Practice Questions

Guided Revision

Page 2

Date: Lesson 1 - What is the atmosphere composed of?

What is the atmosphere?

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The atmosphere is a mass of air which surrounds the earth and is

held in place by gravity. The word atmosphere comes from the �Greek atmos meaning vapour and sphaira meaning globe.

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How did the atmosphere form?

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When Earth formed 4.6 billion years ago from a hot mix of gases �and solids, it had almost no atmosphere. The surface was molten. As Earth cooled, an atmosphere formed mainly from gases given out during volcanic eruptions. It included hydrogen sulfide, methane, and ten to 200 times as much carbon dioxide as today’s atmosphere. After about half a billion years, Earth’s surface cooled and solidified enough for water to collect on it.

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The composition of the atmosphere at this time couldn’t support the development of life as we know it. Over time, the water (hydrosphere) and rocks (geosphere) on Earth’s surface locked up carbon dioxide. Oxygen began to be generated as a result of photosynthesis.

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How do we know what the past atmosphere was like?

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As rocks and sediments form on land and in the oceans they capture chemical�traces of the atmosphere at the time of their formation. By taking sediment�cores, often from the deep ocean, we can analyse the chemistry of the �sediments and microorganisms held within them.�

What is the atmosphere composed of today?

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The air which makes up the atmosphere can be broken down into its �constituent parts. These are:�

• Nitrogen (N₂)
• Oxygen (O₂)
• Argon (Ar)
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
• Methane (CH₄)
• Water Vapour (H₂O)
• Small amounts of other gases

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The early atmospheric composition of Earth was similar to the atmosphere of Venus today.

Page 3

Lesson 1 - What is the atmosphere composed of?

Task 1

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The table shows the percentage of the atmosphere which contains �different gases on both Venus and Earth. Use the information in the �table to complete a 100% stacked bar chart and key.

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Task 2

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Examine the graph shown.�

1. Describe the trend shown on the graph.�…………………………………………………………………………�…………………………………………………………………………�…………………………………………………………………………�…………………………………………………………………………�…………………………………………………………………………

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• Suggest a period of time which saw a mass extinction event, �resulting in the loss of 95% of all species, including marine �organisms.

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• Suggest a period of rapid growth and development of animals. Explain your answer.�……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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Page 4

Date: Lesson 2 - How is energy distributed in the atmosphere?

Where does the earth’s energy come from?

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The sun is a huge ball of gas with violent surface explosions. It emits a �huge amount of heat energy, which travels out into space. This is �called solar radiation. As the Earth travels around the sun, it �intercepts a small fraction of this solar radiation.

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The energy that the sun emits is short-wave energy in the form of �ultraviolet (UV) light. This becomes important when we need to �protect ourselves from solar radiation, for example by wearing �sun cream that has UV protection.

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The earth has to balance the incoming solar radiation with outgoing radiation. Maintaining this balance is referred to as the global energy budget.

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Does everywhere on earth receive the same amount of �solar radiation?

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Insolation is a measure of the total amount of solar radiation �energy received on a given surface during a given time period.�The amount of insolation received varies at different times �of the year and at different latitudes.

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• The amount of insolation varies at different times �of the year as a result of the earth’s orbit around the sun. As the �earth is tilted, different parts of the earth �receive different amounts of insolation. For �example, the Arctic region receives very little �insolation throughout the winter months �(December - February), when the earth is �tilted away from the sun. During the summer �months (June - August) it receives a higher �amount of insolation as the earth’s tilt means �it is always able to receive solar radiation.�
• The amount of insolation varies at different�latitudes. The curvature of the earth causes solar radiation to be concentrated at the equator and spread out at the poles.

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What happens as energy travels through the atmosphere?

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The atmosphere is largely made up of gases, but it does contain other things which can interact with solar radiation as it travels towards the earth’s surface.

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• Gases absorb and reflect energy, reducing the amount of solar energy which makes it to the surface of the Earth. Absorbing energy warms our atmosphere, while reflecting energy can send it back�out to space.
• Particles such as ash, dust and soot are suspended in the atmosphere. These also absorb and reflect solar radiation.
• Water vapour and liquid water (clouds) exist in different parts of the atmosphere. They also absorb solar radiation and can also reflect it.

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In total, 45% of the energy received at the edge of the atmosphere is absorbed or reflected by the atmosphere. Without this process, the temperature on earth would be significantly higher.

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Page 5

Lesson 2 - How is energy distributed in the atmosphere?

What happens when solar radiation reaches the Earth’s surface?

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The nature of the earth’s surface influences the percentage of energy which is absorbed or reflected. This is known as the albedo effect.

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Albedo is measured on a scale from 0 (no reflection) to 1 (100% reflection).

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• Light coloured surfaces reflect more energy. These have high albedo. Light coloured surfaces include ice and snow covered regions.
• Dark coloured surfaces reflect less energy. These have low albedo. Dark coloured surfaces include oceans, a and rainforests.

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The albedo effect varies depending on the land cover. Overall, it is responsible for the reflection of around 6% of the incoming energy being reflected.

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If land cover changes, the amount of solar �radiation reflected will change. Increasing �temperatures as a result of human induced �climate change are causing areas covered in ice �and snow to melt. This reduces the amount of �solar radiation being reflected. As a result, �there will be a warming effect and more snow �and ice will melt. This is an example of a positive feedback loop.

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Two regions of the world which are seeing changes to their albedo�are Greenland and Antarctica. In both of these regions, continental�ice sheets are melting or thinning. This is causing the albedo to �decrease.

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In addition to warming causing ice melt, it would also trigger the �growth of vegetation. This would further contribute to lower�Albedo.

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In earth’s history, the albedo effect has played a role in periods�where almost the whole planet was covered in ice. These periods �are referred to as snowball earth.

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Page 6

Lesson 2 - How is energy distributed in the atmosphere?

Task 1

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Using the glossary, complete the key terms.

1. ………………………… The proportion of light that is reflected by a body or surface.
2. …………………………………… The balance between incoming and outgoing solar radiation.
3. …………………………………… The total amount of solar radiation energy received on a given surface during a given time period.
4. …………………………… A geographic coordinate specifying the north–south position of a point on the Earth’s surface.
5. …………………………………… Radiant energy emitted by the Sun.

Task 2

Draw annotated diagrams showing the two factors which affect the amount of insolation received.

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Task 3

Use the information in the table to construct a pie chart �showing the distribution of energy in the Earth’s atmosphere.

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Page 7

Lesson 2 - How is energy distributed in the atmosphere?

Task 4

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Explain what happens to solar radiation when it �reaches the earth’s atmosphere.

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Task 5

Explain how a negative feedback loop could cause the�end of a snowball earth period. Assume the cause of initial�warming was CO₂ emitted by volcanic eruptions.

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Task 6

Suggest how a volcanic eruption at a convergent plate boundary could influence the global energy budget.

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Page 8

Date: Lesson 3 - How does atmospheric circulation work?

Why is energy redistributed in the atmosphere?

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When the earth receives solar radiation, it doesn’t do so evenly. Insolation varies depending on latitude and time of year.

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In order to maintain the global energy balance, atmospheric and oceanic circulation take energy and redistribute it.

• Ocean currents carry warm water away from the equator and cold water away from the poles.
• Atmospheric circulation involves the movement of air both at the earth’s surface and higher in the atmosphere. This process moves warm air from the equator and cold air from the poles.

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What does atmospheric circulation look like?

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A model has been created to demonstrate the main processes and movements involved in atmospheric circulation. This is called the tri-cellular model as it involves three cells in each hemisphere. It is driven by warm air rising at the equator and cold air sinking at the poles.

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Hadley Cell: The area with the highest insolation

is at the equator. This causes the air in this region�to warm and rise. An area of low pressure is�created. As the air rises, it cools and �spreads north and south. This colder air sinks,

reaching around 30^o. This creates an area�of high pressure. Air moves from high�to low pressure on the Earth’s surface.

This pattern of warm and cold air either side�of the equator is called the Hadley Cell.

Polar Cell: The area with the lowest insolation�is at the poles. Here, cold air sinks�causing an area of high pressure. The�air moves until it warms and rises at 60^o.

This is the Polar Cell.

Ferrel Cell: The Ferrel cell is not driven by the �movement of warm or cold air, but by the cells which�surround it. This causes air to rise at 60^o and sink at 30^o.

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These cells work together to redistribute warm air from the equator towards the poles.�

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At high latitudes, incoming solar radiation (insolation) is less than outgoing terrestrial radiation. This is an energy deficit.

At the equator (low latitudes), incoming solar energy (insolation) is more than outgoing terrestrial radiation. This is an energy surplus.

38^oS

38^oN

Page 9

Lesson 3 - How does atmospheric circulation work?

What influence does the tri-cellular model have on our climate?

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Our climate is influenced by the existence of the �tri-cellular model. Moving air creates regions �of high and low pressure which influence �both winds and rainfall patterns.�

• Surface wind patterns - wind is �created when air moves from areas of �high pressure towards areas of low �pressure. For example, air moves �from 30^o N and S towards the equator. �The coriolis effect - the rotation of �the earth - causes these winds to be �deflected to the right in the northern �hemisphere and left in the southern �hemisphere. Therefore, air �travelling from 30^oN to the �equator travels from the �northeast towards the southwest. �These are called the northeast trade �winds.

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• Rainfall - rainfall occurs in areas of low pressure. Low pressure allows evaporation of moisture from oceans and land, which condenses into clouds and falls as rain. The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is an area of intense low pressure where the two Hadley cells meet. Its position changes depending on the time of year. The low pressure at the ITCZ causes towering clouds and heavy rainfall which can bring widespread flooding. Low pressure also occurs at 60^o, where it creates frequent rain. At areas of high pressure (e.g. 30^o N and S), descending air prevents clouds from forming and there is very little rain. This influences the climate creating dry regions.

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Page 10

Lesson 3 - How does atmospheric circulation work?

Task 1

Using the diagram of the Earth, draw the tri-cellular model and pattern of surface winds. You should include an indication of where high and low pressure regions occur.

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Task 2

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Explain the occurrence of the westerlies. You should refer to pressure and the coriolis effect in your answer.

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Page 11

Lesson 3 - How does atmospheric circulation work?

Task 3

Refer to the map on page 9. Explain the annual precipitation at regions A and B. You should first identify the region, then go on to explain in reference to the tri-cellular model.

1. Region: ………………………………………

Explanation: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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• Region: ………………………………………

Explanation: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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Task 4

The position of the ITCZ in June and January is shown. �

1. State three countries which are likely to experience �significant crop failures in January as a result of flooding.

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• Explain your answer.

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Page 12

Lesson 3 - How does atmospheric circulation work?

Revision

Task 1 - Practice Exam Question

The map below shows areas of physical water scarcity around the world.

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Explain how atmospheric circulation influences the distribution of areas of physical water scarcity. �[Higher Specimen - 2 marks]

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Task 2

Annual consumption of bottled water in the USA totals 63.6 x 10⁹L. Each 1L bottle of water consumed requires of 1.32 L of water to produce.

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1. Calculate the total amount of water required to produce the USA’s annual consumption.��

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• Calculate the percentage of water in the process which is not used for drinking.

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Page 13

Date: Lesson 4 - What influence does the atmosphere have on determining biomes?

Climate is the average weather in an area over a long period of time.

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A biome is a large geographical area defined by its climate, flora and fauna.

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�The most important abiotic factors involved in biome classification are temperature and precipitation.

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• Temperature is different in each biome because of the distribution of insolation on the Earth’s surface. Some biomes (e.g. hot desert) lie in areas where the sun’s rays are concentrated and therefore have higher temperatures. Other regions (e.g. tundra) lie in areas where the sun’s rays are less concentrated and �therefore have lower temperatures. �
• Precipitation is determined by the atmospheric pressure. In areas of low atmospheric pressure, there is more precipitation. In areas which have low pressure and high temperatures, evaporation is a significant part of the hydrological cycle and the air will be humid. In areas with lower temperatures, precipitation dominates and the moisture falls as rain, snow or hail.

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There is, therefore, a link between the distribution of biomes and both the global energy budget and the tri-cellular model.

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Page 14

Lesson 4 - What influence does the atmosphere have on determining biomes?

What is the tundra like?

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The tundra is found in regions such as northern Canada, �northern Russia and northern Scandinavia. There are very �small areas of tundra in Antarctica.

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The climate in the tundra has long, cold winters as a result of �the earth’s tilt and seasons. The ground is frozen. In the �summer, the temperature increases but is still considered �cool. Permafrost remains all year round.��There is low precipitation as it lies in the high pressure �regions at the poles. Descending, cold air doesn’t allow for �moisture to be evaporated.

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What is the hot desert like?

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Hot deserts are found in regions such as the Sahara (northern �Africa), the Mojave (Western USA), Gobi (central Asia) and the �Australian Outback.

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The climate in the hot desert is very warm all year round. This �is due to their location close to the equator where insolation is �high. Temperatures at night can drop dramatically as the day’s �heat escapes up into a cloudless sky.

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There is very low precipitation in the hot desert biome, often �reaching just a few cms each year. This is because it is found�in regions with high pressure. The combination of high �temperatures and low precipitation means that vegetation is �sparse and what does grow has had to adapt to the difficult conditions.

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What is the equatorial rainforest like?

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Equatorial rainforests are found around the equator, in �regions such as the Amazon (South America), the Congo Basin �(central Africa) and Indonesia (south-east Asia).

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The climate in equatorial rainforests is warm all year round. �As they are located between the Tropics of Cancer and �Capricorn they have high levels of insolation at all times. �Unlike the hot desert, temperatures do not fall at night as the �humid air and dense clouds retain the heat.

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Precipitation in the equatorial rainforest is also high all year �round, with the Amazon receiving more than 200 cms of rain �each year. Low pressure (ITCZ) and high temperatures cause rapid evaporation and the air has a high moisture content (it is humid). Precipitation as rain occurs often from large clouds. Dead organic material (e.g. leaves) decomposes very quickly in the warm, wet conditions resulting in deep, fertile soils.

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The temperate rainforest is a biome found in the UK.

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Summer in the Tundra biome

Gobi Desert

Indonesian Equatorial Rainforest

Page 15

Lesson 4 - What influence does the atmosphere have on determining biomes?

Task 2

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Which of these biomes is the glossary referring to? �

Choose from:

Tundra (alpine) Tundra (Arctic) Temperate Rainforest Equatorial Rainforest Desert

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1. ……………………………… A forest typically found between 5° North and 5° South of the equator. Has no dry season and all months have an average precipitation of at least 60 mm.
2. ………………………… An area that receives an average annual precipitation of less than 25 cm.
3. ………………………… located at high altitude where trees cannot grow, temperatures are low, and the growing season is around 180 days.
4. …………………………… Coniferous or broadleaf/deciduous forests that occur in the temperate zone (average temperature between 0-20 °C, largely influenced by nearby ocean) and receive at least 200 cm of annual rainfall.
5. ………………………… located in the northern hemisphere encircling the North Pole and is known for its cold, desert-like conditions, and very short growing season of around 60 days.

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Task 3

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Use the information in the table to draw a climate graph of �the hot desert biome.

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Page 16

Lesson 4 - What influence does the atmosphere have on determining biomes?

Task 4

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Referring to the climate graphs on page 13 and 15.

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1. What is the range of temperatures in the tundra?

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• What is the average precipitation in the equatorial rainforest between January - May?

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• What is the mean temperature in the hot desert?

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Task 5

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Standard deviation is a measure of the spread of data. It can be used to �understand whether the spread of data is greater in one biome than another.

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The formula to calculate the standard deviation is

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Worked example

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Calculate the standard deviation of temperature in the hot desert biome. �You should use the number of months as your population size.

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N = 12

x̅ = 21.75

∑(x-x̅)² = 330.25

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s = √ (330÷12)

s = √ 27.5

s = 5.24

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The standard deviation of temperature in the hot desert biome is 5.24.

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Your turn -

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Calculate the standard deviation of precipitation in the hot desert biome.

You should use the number of months as your sample size.

Page 17

Lesson 4 - What influence does the atmosphere have on determining biomes?

Task 6

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Conduct some research on the temperate rainforest biome..

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Task 7

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The tundra biome can also be found in an Alpine setting. What does this mean and what climatic conditions occur there?

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Task 8

Using your understanding of tundra, hot desert, equatorial rainforest and temperate rainforest biomes, suggest which biome is shown by the precipitation graph. Justify your answer.

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Where is this biome found?

Climate: Precipitation

Climate: Temperature

Factors affecting biodiversity

Page 18

Practice Questions

2019 Paper

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2017 Paper

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2016 Paper

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Guided Revision

Page 20

Guided Revision

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Guided Revision

Page 22

Practice Questions

2024 Paper

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Practice Questions

SQA Sample Paper

Page 24

Practice Questions

2019 Marking Instructions

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2017 Marking Instructions

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2016 Marking Instructions

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Page 25

Practice Questions

2018 Paper

Page 26

Practice Questions

2018 Marking Instructions

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Page 27

Practice Questions

2018 Marking Instructions

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Page 28

Practice Questions

SQA Sample Marking Instructions