Choropleth Maps & Synoptic Charts (SQA National 5 Geography): Revision Note

Choropleth maps are the most common type of map you will encounter in the National 5 exam. Ensure that you check the title and the key; these will give you lots of information about what the map is showing.

One of the most common questions is to describe the distribution or pattern shown on a map. Remember:

• Look for the overall pattern, is it related to levels of development or some other feature

• Where are the highest/lowest?

• Use country, region or continent names

• Use other features as reference points, such as the equator or tropics

Study Diagram Q13A.

Describe, in detail, the global distribution of CO2 emissions from fossil fuels.

Answer

Overall, developed countries emit more CO2 than developing countries. [1] Countries with the lowest CO2 emissions (0-0.9) include Pakistan, Myanmar and much of central Africa. [1] Countries emitting between 2-4.9 tonnes per capita include Mexico, Brazil and Algeria. [1] Whereas the largest emitters with over 10 tonnes per capita include Australia and the USA. [1]

In the exam, you may be expected to match locations to weather conditions shown on a synoptic chart. You need to be confident about the symbols used and what they mean.

Diagram Q5B shows the weather conditions in 3 locations on the map: Locations:

Norwich Stranraer Inverness

Match the weather station circles, A, B and C with the correct location.

Answer

A = Inverness ( a temperature of 4^oC, one okta of cloud, a 20 knot south-easterly wind )

B = Stranraer ( a temperature of 7 °C, seven oktas of cloud, a 30 knot westerly wind and heavy rain)

C = Norwich (a temperature of 12^oC, two oktas of cloud, a 15 knot south-westerly wind and drizzle)

As the low-pressure system moves across the country, the weather changes. Ahead of the warm front where Inverness is located, the temperatures are cold but there is little cloud. Between the warm front and cold front, where Norwich is located, there is warm air, so the temperature is higher. Whereas Stranraer is below the cold front, so there is lots of rising warm air and leading to heavy rain, strong winds and lower temperatures.