Key Terminology
Introduction to climate and weather
terminology
Understanding key climate and weather terms is essential for success in
your NSC Geography exam . This chapter focuses on the vocabulary you
need to analyse weather patterns, atmospheric circulation, and local
climate conditions. These definitions form the foundation for
understanding both secondary (regional) and tertiary (local) circulation
systems.
Note
Mastering climate and weather terminology is crucial for your
Geography exam success. These terms appear frequently in both
multiple-choice and essay questions, so understanding their precise
meanings and applications is vital.
The diagram above shows how climate and weather studies are organised
into secondary circulation (larger regional patterns) and
tertiary circulation (local weather patterns). Each of these systems has
specific terminology that you need to master.
Understanding atmospheric circulation
levels
Secondary circulation refers to regional weather patterns that affect large
areas. This includes synoptic weather systems, cyclones, and the influence
of features like ocean currents and pressure belts on South Africa's
climate.
Tertiary circulation focuses on local climate phenomena such as valley
winds, the effect of slope direction, and urban climate patterns. These local
systems often create microclimates that differ significantly from the
broader regional climate.
Note
Understanding Scale Differences
Think of secondary circulation as the "big picture" weather systems
you see on TV weather maps, while tertiary circulation represents the
local conditions in your specific area that might differ from the
regional forecast.
Essential wind systems
Valley winds
Anabatic winds are warming air currents that flow uphill during daytime
hours. As the sun heats valley slopes, the air becomes warmer and less
dense, causing it to rise up the mountainside. These winds are typically
gentle and occur during the warmest part of the day.
Katabatic winds work in the opposite direction, flowing downhill during
nighttime. As mountain slopes cool rapidly after sunset, the air becomes
denser and flows down into valleys. These winds can be quite strong and
bring cooler temperatures to valley floors.
Example
Worked Example: Valley Wind Formation
Step 1: During the day, sun heats the valley slope
Step 2: Air warms and becomes less dense
Step 3: Warm air rises up the slope (anabatic wind)
Step 4: At night, slopes cool rapidly
Step 5: Air becomes denser and flows downhill (katabatic wind)
Global wind patterns
Polar easterlies are cold winds that originate from polar regions and blow
towards areas of lower pressure between 60° and 90° latitude. These
winds carry cold polar air masses towards more temperate regions.
Westerlies flow from subtropical high-pressure areas towards subpolar
low-pressure regions, typically between 30° and 60° latitude. In the
Southern Hemisphere, these winds significantly influence South Africa's
weather patterns.
Tropical easterlies (also called trade winds) blow from subtropical high-
pressure belts towards the equatorial low-pressure zone. These consistent
winds occur between 0° and 30° latitude and play a crucial role in global
circulation patterns.
Local South African winds
Berg winds are distinctive hot, dry winds that flow from South Africa's
interior plateau towards coastal regions. These winds can bring
uncomfortable conditions and increase fire risk , particularly during winter
months when they're most common.
Important
Berg Wind Hazards
Berg winds are not just uncomfortable—they create serious fire
hazards and can worsen drought conditions. These hot, dry winds can
rapidly spread veld fires and create dangerous conditions for both
urban and rural areas.
Pressure systems and air movement
Anticyclones (high-pressure systems) form when air masses sink towards
the earth's surface. In the Southern Hemisphere, air moves in an
anticlockwise direction around these systems, flowing outwards from the
centre. Important examples affecting South Africa include the
South Atlantic High , South Indian High , and Kalahari High pressure
systems.
Cyclones (low-pressure systems) develop when air rises from the surface.
Air movement around Southern Hemisphere cyclones is clockwise and
flows inwards towards the centre. Examples include coastal lows, tropical
cyclones, and mid-latitude cyclones that bring weather changes to South
Africa.
Important
Southern Hemisphere Circulation Rules
Remember this crucial difference for exams: In the Southern
Hemisphere, cyclones rotate clockwise (inward flow) while
anticyclones rotate anticlockwise (outward flow). This is opposite to
the Northern Hemisphere pattern.
Temperature-related phenomena
Atmospheric temperature patterns
Temperature inversion occurs when air temperature increases with
altitude instead of decreasing as normal. This creates stable atmospheric
conditions that can trap pollutants near the ground surface.
An inversion layer forms where descending cold air meets rising warm air
masses. This creates a distinct atmospheric boundary where temperature
patterns reverse, often leading to fog formation or smog accumulation in
valleys and urban areas.
Note
Temperature Inversion Impact
Temperature inversions are particularly problematic in South African
cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, where they trap vehicle
emissions and industrial pollution, leading to poor air quality and
health concerns.
Local temperature effects
Thermal belts are zones of relatively warmer air that form above valley
floors. These areas often have more moderate temperatures than the
surrounding landscape, making them suitable for agriculture , particularly
fruit farming.
Heat islands develop in urban areas where temperatures become
significantly higher than in surrounding rural regions. Multiple factors
contribute to this effect, including concrete surfaces that absorb heat,
reduced vegetation, and pollution from vehicles and industry.
Geographical and climate factors
Aspect refers to the compass direction that a slope faces. This seemingly
simple concept has major implications for local climate, as
north-facing slopes in the Southern Hemisphere receive more direct
sunlight and tend to be warmer and drier than south-facing slopes .
The Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a belt near the equator
where tropical easterly winds from both hemispheres converge. This zone
shifts seasonally and influences rainfall patterns across tropical and
subtropical regions.
Climate change encompasses long-term shifts in global climate patterns
that result in more extreme and unusual weather conditions.
Understanding this concept is crucial for analysing contemporary weather
patterns and their impacts.
Note
ITCZ Seasonal Movement
The ITCZ doesn't stay in one place—it moves north and south with the
seasons, following the sun's position. This movement is why many
tropical regions experience distinct wet and dry seasons.
Exam tips for terminology questions
Important
Essential Exam Strategy
When answering definition questions in your NSC exam:
Use precise geographical terminology rather than everyday
language
Include specific examples , particularly South African ones where
relevant
Explain the processes behind phenomena , not just what they are
Remember that Southern Hemisphere circulation patterns are
different from Northern Hemisphere ones
Link local phenomena to broader atmospheric circulation patterns
where possible
Summary
Key Points to Remember:
Wind direction matters: Anabatic winds blow uphill during the
day, katabatic winds blow downhill at night
Pressure systems behave differently in the Southern
Hemisphere: Cyclones rotate clockwise , anticyclones rotate
anticlockwise
Local factors influence climate significantly: Aspect ,
altitude, and urban development all create microclimates
South African examples are important: Berg winds , coastal
lows, and major high-pressure systems regularly appear in exam
questions
Temperature inversions create environmental problems:
They trap pollutants and can worsen air quality in cities and
valleys