This themepage is aimed at Junior Cycle Geography but may also be useful for CSPE.
Climate describes the temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, rainfall, atmospheric particle count and numerous other meteorological elements in a given region over long periods of time.
You can find a definition by searching in the online encyclopaedias that are available through Scoilnet [only accessible in school].
Encyclopaedia BritannicaWorld BookThe following map shows how temperature varies across the surface of the Earth.
Earth temperature variations - University of OregonThink you know about climate?
Test your knowledge here -
Earth's Climate System QuizClimate can be contrasted to weather, which is the present condition of these same elements over periods up to two weeks.
Weather affecting Ireland in the mid latitudes is associated with damp and blustery conditions due to the passage of mid latitude depressions and rain fronts.
Learn about warm and cold fronts here -
Warm Front and Cold Front AnimationsThen, try your hand at weather forecasting here -
Weather forecast InteractiveClimate change or global warming is todays biggest threat to the planets ecosystems and human economies.
This is leading to melting at the polar caps - learn more about the seasonal variation in sea ice here.
British Antarctic Survey of Sea IceA side effect of global warming is sea level rise as more land locked ice melts and enters the ocean. This leads to increased spending on coastal defence.
Try this exercise on coastal defence -
South Wales FieldworkGlobal warming is also linked to the spread of Malaria and other diseases. Why not play this
Malaria game to see how mosquitos spread the disease.
What causes Global warming? Undoubtedly burning fossil fuels and releasing vast amounts of CO2.
Why not examine some of the issues using the
Vattenfall website.
Ireland has a bright future in terms of supplying renewable energy which will lessen our dependence on fossil fuels - why not search out renewables in
Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Finally, having done your research why not test your knowledge here -
Energy Sources and Climate Change Quiz