Geographical Fundamentals: Climate, Winds, and Population Dynamics

Climatological Factors

Solar Radiation and Temperature

Temperature is the degree of heat in the atmosphere, originating from solar radiation. It is measured with a thermometer.

The caloric power of land radiation influences temperature.

Earth's Movements and Temperature Variation

• Rotation: Causes the day/night cycle, leading to daily temperature variations.
• Translation: Earth's orbit around the sun causes seasonal temperature variations.

Temperature is generally lower at higher altitudes due to decreased atmospheric mass and pressure.

Latitude

At higher latitudes, temperature is lower because less solar radiation is incident due to greater obliquity, leading to more caloric power loss.

Proximity to the Sea

Sea moisture moderates thermal amplitudes (differences between maximum and minimum temperatures), resulting in more stable temperatures near coastal areas.

Atmospheric Dynamics

Atmospheric Pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the weight exerted by the atmosphere above Earth's surface due to gravity. It is measured by a barometer.

The standard unit of measurement is Hectopascals. Normal atmospheric pressure is approximately 1013 hectopascals.

Pressure varies with altitude; it is lower at higher altitudes because there is less atmospheric mass above.

Wind Circulation

Wind is the circulation of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas, occurring between anticyclonic and cyclonic centers.

• Wind speed is measured with an anemometer.
• Wind direction is measured with a wind vane or a wind sock.

Regional Winds of South America

Zonda Wind (Foehn Effect)

This wind originates in the South Pacific anticyclone as a cold, humid wind. Upon reaching the Andes Mountains, it is forced to ascend, rapidly cools, and its moisture condenses, precipitating as rain or snow on the windward side of the mountain.

As the air descends on the leeward side, it becomes an extremely warm, dry wind that affects regions like Cuyo (e.g., Mendoza, San Juan, San Luis) in Argentina.

Pampero

The Pampero is a dry, cold wind that affects the center of Argentina. It originates in the South Pacific anticyclone as a cold, humid wind.

It discharges its moisture in the Patagonian Andes and then passes to the Patagonian plateau as a cold, dry wind.

Consequences of Pampero

• Strong wind gusts that can damage roofs.
• Heavy, short-duration rain.
• Potential flooding on the Uruguayan coast.

Sudestada

The Sudestada is a cold, damp wind that enters Argentina from the southeast. It originates in the South Atlantic anticyclone as a cold, humid wind.

It brings significant moisture and causes heavy rainfall and flooding on the Argentine coast of the Rio de la Plata, making river drainage difficult.

Population Geography

Urban Population

Urban population is characterized by an agglomerated population in cities, where secondary and tertiary economic activities predominate.

Typically, urban settlements are defined as having more than 2000 inhabitants.

Rural Population

Rural population is characterized by a dispersed population in the countryside, where primary economic activities predominate.

Primary activities include agriculture, livestock farming, fishing, mining, and forestry.

Typically, rural settlements are defined as having less than 2000 inhabitants.

Human Migration

Migration refers to the massive displacement of population, which includes both immigration (entering a country) and emigration (leaving a country).

Causes of Migration

• Economic improvement (seeking better opportunities).
• Political conflicts (fleeing instability or persecution).
• Health problems (seeking better medical care or escaping epidemics).

Types of Migration

• By Duration: Temporary and Permanent.
• By Jurisdiction: International and Internal.