Wave Energy, Climate Controls of Deserts, Weathering, Aggradation and Degradation

Geography Assignment
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Geography Assignment
1. Distinguishing between short and long-wave energy
In most cases, a substance or a body with temperature would give off electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, short-wave energy means energy in the visible (light. When the short-wave energy from the sun enters the Earth, it is reflected back to space by certain means of reflection while some of it gets absorbed by other substances. However, long-wave energy refers to radiation which enters the Earth, and the Earth’s surface emits a large amount of it. For example, about 95% of long-wave energy is absorbed by greenhouse gasses and then transformed to heat energy. It means that only five percent of long-wave energy is lost in the space.
The specific types of electromagnetic energy for short-wave energy include the visible light and ultraviolet radiation while for long-wave radiation includes the infrared. The radiation from the sun often takes the form of visible light and there is little amount of ultraviolet and infrared electromagnetic energy. On the other hand, nearly all the natural radiation or energy produced by the Earth includes infrared or heat. Therefore, solar energy is known as the short-wave energy while terrestrial energy is known to be long-wave energy.
2. The Station Model
The station model presented here is a simplified example of a station model plot applied to represent meteorological weather conditions near the surface. The model shows current weather conditions, the direction of the wind, the speed of the wind and the change in pressure among others. The fictional weather forecast depicted by the model would include the following;
First, partial clouds cover as indicated by a stripped line dividing the small circle and it is not raining.
Secondly, the station plots the temperature is 79F and with the dew point of 65F.
Lastly, the wind flows in the northeast direction at about 18 knots.
3. The Principle Climate Controls of Deserts
By understanding various climatic controls, it gives considerations for placing a region within a particular climatic classification. Therefore, the three principle climate controls of deserts include latitude, air masses, and mountain barriers. Latitude determines the amount and intensity of sunlight that is received in a region. The movement of air masses causes moderate to drastic temperature alterations and thunderstorms among others. For example, when the air masses contrast significantly, there is high likelihood it could cause thunderstorms and formation of tornadoes.
Las Vegas is shown to have a subtropical hot desert climate which is characterized by long, very hot summers and short mild to chilly winters. It has abundant sunshine in most periods of the year with scarce rainfall received. Since Las Vegas is surrounded by mountains on all sides, mountain barriers take place. Here, a mountain serves as barrier to moisture and cool air. As a result, air ...