Question

A research station is located at the foot of a mountain at 70° latitude in the northern hemisphere. The mountain is located between the station and an ocean. Several decades ago, scientists detected a significant

drop in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere above the region; in recent years, however, levels of
stratospheric ozone have returned to normal.

a. Describe the effect of latitude on the amount of sunlight the region receives. Describe how solar
intensity will most likely affect the region's average temperature during the summer and winter
months.
b. What kind of convection cell would be found over a region at this latitude? Describe one way in
which this cell affects the movement of air through the region in which the station is located, and
one way in which this mass movement of air likely affects the region's climate.
c. Describe two ways in which the region's topography is likely to affect its climate.
d. Describe two ways that the recent increase in stratospheric ozone decreases risks to people living in
the research station

Answer 1

a. because the region is located far from the equator, the amount of sunlight the region gets will be reduced. Because of this low intensity of sunlight the region receives the average temperature of the region will be very low at winter and a little above 0°C at summer.

b. Polar cell. The air above the surface of the station is cool and dry giving rise to a very cold climate in the region

c. 1 being a mountainous region, the air will be cool favoring a lot of precipitation

2. The ocean can also affect the temperatures, as they have a high heat capacity, so absorb heat in the summer and release it in the winter. They also cause lots of evaporation resulting in wet weather.

d. 1. ozone layer stops harmful UVB and UVC rays from reaching the surface, which can kill all living things,

2. The ozone layer also allows UV-A rays to get through, which are necessary for primary production, and therefore the support of all life on earth by food, nutrients, and oxygen.