AQA A-Level Geography 7037
Water and Carbon Cycles
Hot Desert Systems and LandscapesLandscape
Coastal Systems and LandscapesLandscape
Glacial Systems and LandscapesLandscape
HazardsHazards or ecosystems
Ecosystems Under StressHazards or ecosystems
Global Systems and Global Governance
Changing Places
Contemporary Urban EnvironmentsHuman option
Population and the EnvironmentHuman option
Resource SecurityHuman option
Contemporary Urban Environments
Urban Winds and Air Quality
- 3 things to know
- Component 2
Overview
Recall questions on how tall buildings and the Venturi effect alter urban winds, on particulate pollution, PM10 and PM2.5, photochemical smog and temperature inversions, and on emission standards, low emission zones, congestion charging, transport and industrial controls, urban greening and air quality monitoring.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Name three secondary pollutants found in photochemical smog.
How do congestion charging schemes help reduce urban air pollution?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
How do tall buildings affect average wind speeds within urban areas?
Model answer
They create a frictional drag effect that reduces average wind speeds compared to open rural surroundings.
- 2
What is the Venturi effect in an urban context?
Model answer
Wind is channelled along urban canyons (streets between buildings), causing localised acceleration of airflow.
- 3
What gusty conditions can tall buildings create at street level?
Model answer
They deflect wind downwards, creating strong, gusty conditions at ground level.
- 4
How do urban structures affect local wind patterns compared to regional prevailing winds?
Model answer
They create turbulent eddies and variable wind directions that differ from the prevailing regional wind patterns.
- 5
Define particulate pollution.
Model answer
Solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the atmosphere, including dust, soot, smoke and aerosols.
- 6
What is the difference between PM10 and PM2.5?
Model answer
PM10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less; PM2.5 refers to fine particles of 2.5 micrometres or less.
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