Module One

TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS 1

Introduction

This module should be read in conjunction with the Programme of Study.

The Programme of Study lists the topics that are in the module and gives you the relevant page references for your textbook. This module aims to give you more direction as you work through the various topics. It will aim to highlight the most important items in the topic, as well as areas that need particular care. It will also point you towards the resources you should be using.

Remember to double-check the syllabus to make sure you cover all the items that you need to.

Synoptic Links

Although you learn geography in topics there are links with other units in the course. Look out for these throughout the course materials going forwards. Synoptic links relating to what you have learnt will be identified in each part topic. Synoptic links relating to what you have yet to learn will be identified at the end of each unit.

Module Overview

This unit is a continuation of some of the work you undertook in the AS section of the course and uses the work from hydrology and weather to support looking at one climate zone (the Tropics) which is prone to a great deal of weathering. It is therefore the perfect continuation in your learning as it uses so much of the knowledge that you have already acquired in the AS qualification.

At Wolsey Hall we have actually split the unit into two topic areas for ease and to ensure the correct level of focus for all the areas of the unit. This means in this section you look at sections 7.1 and 7.2: Tropical Climates and Landforms of Tropical environments. This section is therefore very focused on physical geography. The key elements of this module are the movement of the thermal equator (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone – ITCZ) and its effects on rainfall and temperature within the Tropics, followed by the landforms made from granite and limestone in these locations.

Topics

Topic One (1.1): Tropical Climates

Topic Two (1.2): Landforms of Tropical Environments