Lesson 1. Climatology: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems
Understanding climatology is fundamental, as it explains global climate patterns, precipitation, and winds. Focus on the structure of the atmosphere, heat budget, pressure belts, planetary winds (Trade, Westerlies, Polar), and the Coriolis Force. Key concepts include the formation of cyclones (tropical and temperate), jet streams, and air masses. Most critically, master El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), its phases (El Niño, La Niña), and its global teleconnections affecting monsoons, droughts, and floods. For deeper insight, refer to the NCERT Class XI textbook “Fundamentals of Physical Geography.” Supplement with current affairs analysis of extreme weather events from sources like “Down To Earth” magazine and the “World Meteorological Organization (WMO)” reports, which provide contemporary context.