10–15% of the AP exam. Key topics: Tectonic plates and their role in soil and landform formation, Soil formation processes and soil horizons (O, A, B, C, R horizons), Soil erosion causes and consequences, Atmospheric layers (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere), Atmospheric composition and greenhouse gas properties, Global wind patterns and the Coriolis effect, Watersheds and their role in hydrology, Solar radiation, Earth's energy budget, and seasonal variation, El Niño and La Niña (ENSO) and their global climate impacts, Geography's influence on climate (rain shadows, latitude, altitude).
Study guide content for this unit is being prepared. Check back soon for complete lesson notes, formula sheets, and worked examples.
