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National 5 Geography Overview

Apr 25, 2025

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.