Weather and climate

Question 1

Which instrument is used to measure

max and min daily temps

Answer 1

A maximum-minimum thermometer.

Question 2

What is a rain gauge used for?

Answer 2

Measuring precipitation over a period of
time.

Millimetres

Question 3

What is a barometer used for?

Answer 3

Measuring air pressure.

millibars

Question 4

Which instrument is used to measure wind speed?

Answer 4

An anemometer.

mph, kph, m/s

Question 5

Which instrument is used to measure wind direction? (blowing from)

Answer 5

A wind wane.

Question 6

Where should a Stevenson screen be situated?

Answer 6

• Clear from trees or buildings that create shade.

- On grass so this will not absorb heat/alter temperature.

Question 7

What is the advantage of using a digital thermometer over a maximum-minimum thermometer?

Answer 7

• Quick/instant reading

- Accurate to a decimal point

Question 8

Suggest why temperatures should be taken each morning and afternoon (digital thermometer)?

Answer 8

Temperature will change during the day
/
To show the range of temperature during a day.

Question 9

Why are temperature different at different sizes?

Answer 9

• Buildings/tarmac/concrete absorb heat from sun
• Internal heating system of the buildings
• Buildings radiate heat around them
• Funneling effect of buildings
• Aspect/south facing/facing sun
• Shade from sun by trees/buildings

Question 10

Some students measures the relative humidity at different sites. What are the improvements the the students could make to his data collection method?

Answer 10

• Collect datas on more than three days.
• Collect data on twice a day.
• Collect data in different months/seasons.
• The students check other students’ reading.
• Reading should be taken by the same student so there is less height difference.

Question 11

Where should a rain gauge be placed and why?

Answer 11

On grass. Because if they are placed on concrete, extra water can splash in.

Question 12

Why should rain gauge be checked regularly?

Answer 12

To avoid evaporation.

Question 13

What is a wet-dry bulb thermometer (hygrometer) used for?

Answer 13

Humidity

Question 14

Cirrus cloud

Answer 14

Thin and wispy

High atmosphere - 5500 metres

Doesn’t bring any type of weather

Question 15

Stratus cloud

Answer 15

Low level - sometimes reaching ground

Below 2000m

Grey, fast

Rain, snow

Question 16

Cumulonimbus cloud

Answer 16

Large, fluffy

up to 10km high and across

Rain, thunder, lighting

Question 17

Cumulus

Answer 17

Low - 600 and 1200m

Light rain

Question 18

Features of the Stevenson Screen and why

Answer 18

White: reflect sun

Double lid: insulation

Slanted sides: let the air circulated

Slanted downwards: Prevent light getting in

Legs 1m long: prevent heating from ground

Short grass: standardised. ie: same amount of reflectivity

Question 19

How a hygrometer is used to work out relative humidity

Answer 19

read off wet and dry bulb temperatures

use relative humidity table

subtract wet bulb from dry bulb

read off figure at intersection of dry bulb and wet bulb depression figures

Question 20

Why are instruments placed in a Stevenson Screen?

Answer 20

not heated by sun

not affected by wind

measure condition of air not ground

standard height above ground

not affected by concrete

avoid tampering

Question 21

Instruments that are put inside Stevenson Screen

Answer 21

Barometer

Hydrometer

Maximum-minimum thermometer

Question 22

Intruments that are put outside Stevenson Screen

Answer 22

Rain gauge

Wind vane

Anemometer

Question 23

Explain how wind speed and direction measurements are obtained at a weather station.
You may include diagrams of the instruments used.

Answer 23

wind direction - wind vane
labelled diagram
arrow points to where the wind blowing from

wind speed - anemometer
labelled diagram

both connected to computer
check instruments every X hours to get reading
location: high up + away from trees