Download Test Review Notes #4

Weather and Climate
Weather
• Weather is the
condition of the
atmosphere at a
certain time an place.
• Air Temp – Heat in
the atmosphere,
measured by
thermometer
• Humidity – amount of
water vapor in the air
More Weather Terms
• Wind – movement
of air over the
earth’s surface.
• Clouds – masses of
tiny water droplets
suspended in air.
• Precipitation –
water falling to
earth in any form.
• Ex. Rain, snow,
sleet, hail, drizzle.
Air Pressure
• Air Pressure –
weight of the air
measured by
barometer.
• High elevation
less pressure.
• Low Elevation
higher pressure
• Cool air has more
pressure……why?
The Sun
• The weather on
earth is caused by
the uneven
distribution of the
sun’s energy.
• Most weather
systems in the US
move from West to
East.
• The Sun powers the
water cycle
Water Cycle
• The sun
evaporates the
water.
• Water in the
atmosphere
condenses to
form clouds.
• Precipitation
returns the water
to the ground.
• Animation
Climate
• Climate is the average
weather in an area.
• Latitude – further from the
equator, colder the climate.
• Altitude – higher elevation
has cooler climate
• Water – the closer to water,
the more cool the summers
and warmer the winters.
Air Masses
• A body of air with
uniform temperature
and moisture.
• A representation of
where they were
formed.
• Over land – dry
• Over water – moist
• Near equator – warm
• Near Poles - Cold
Fronts
• The leading edge of
an air mass.
• Strong winds and
precipitation occur
between two fronts.
• Cold air mass is
called cold front
• Warm air mass is
called a warm front.
Highs and Lows
• High – Air sinks and
blows air outward
and clockwise.
• Clear skies and dry
weather.
• Low – Air rises and
sucks air in and
counterclockwise
• Wet weather and
strong winds.