National 5 Geography Course Notes

Physical Environments Unit

Weather (UK)

• Factors Affecting Weather:
  • Latitude: Further from the Equator means cooler temperatures.
  • Altitude: Higher places are cooler by 1°C per 100m.
  • Aspect: South-facing places are warmer.
  • Ocean Circulation: Western areas warmed by the North Atlantic Drift.
  • Prevailing Winds: SW winds warm western coastal areas.
• Main Air Masses Affecting the UK:
  • Tropical Continental: Hot, dry weather in summer.
  • Depressions (Low Pressure): Cloudy, rain, and warm fronts.
  • Anticyclones (High Pressure): Clear skies, dry weather, warmer summers.

Landscape Types

• Glaciated Uplands:
  • Corrie: Armchair-shaped hollow with tarn; formed by snow turning to ice.
  • Pyramidal Peak: Formed by back-to-back corries.
  • U-shaped Valley: Formed by glacier erosion.
• Coastal Landscapes:
  • Cliffs and Wave-cut Platforms: Erosion by hydraulic action, abrasion.
  • Caves and Arches: Erosion forms caves, arches through headlands.
  • Stacks: Erosion collapses arches to form stacks.

Land Uses and Conflicts

• Glaciated Landscapes:
  • Farming, Forestry, Tourism: Hill sheep farming; commercial forestry in less harsh areas.
  • Conflicts: Tourists vs. locals, walkers vs. locals.
  • Solutions: Improved transport, parking permits, ranger-managed paths.

Human Environments Unit

Population and Development

• Indicators: Social and Economic:
  • Life expectancy, employment in agriculture.
• Factors Influencing Population Distribution:
  • Human Factors: Job opportunities, transport, government aid.
  • Physical Factors: Climate, relief, soils, natural resources.

Urban Areas

• Land Use Zones in Developed Cities:
  • CBD Improvements: Pedestrian areas, public transport, shop renovations.
  • Inner City Regeneration: Housing estates, new towns, improved amenities.

Recent Developments in Shanty Towns

• Rio de Janeiro Favelas:
  • Overcrowding, lack of services, crime, economic challenges.
  • Strategies: Pacification programs, legal property rights, improved transport.

Climate Change

Causes of Climate Change

• Physical: Earth’s tilt, sunspot activity, volcanic eruptions.
• Human: Fossil fuels, deforestation, methane emissions.

Effects and Strategies

• Global Effects: Weather extremes, sea-level rise, impact on farming and water supply.
• Strategies to Minimize Impact:
  • Local/Individual: Energy saving, recycling, green power.
  • National (UK): Grants for energy efficiency, renewable energy targets.
  • International: Climate change agreements, carbon credits.

Health

Diseases and Management

• AIDS: Transfer through fluids; strategies include education, free condoms.
• Heart Disease: Linked to diet and lifestyle; managed with medical check-ups.
• Malaria: Spread by mosquitos; controlled with insecticides, bed nets.