4B4 Weather and Climate

Question 1

Define:

meteorology

Answer 1

The scientific study of the atmosphere and weather patterns.

Meteorology examines atmospheric processes, climate trends, and weather forecasting.

Question 2

What does a meteorologist study?

Answer 2

Weather, climate, and atmospheric changes.

Meteorologists analyze air pressure, temperature, wind patterns, and precipitation to predict weather conditions.

Question 3

List the six main elements of weather.

Answer 3

1. Temperature
2. Air pressure
3. Humidity
4. Precipitation
5. Wind speed
6. Wind direction

Temperature – Measured with a thermometer.

Air pressure – Measured with a barometer.

Humidity – Measured with a hygrometer.

Precipitation – Measured with a rain gauge.

Wind speed – Measured with an anemometer.

Wind direction – Measured with a wind vane.

Question 4

What is barometric pressure?

Answer 4

The force exerted by the weight of the air.

Barometric pressure is measured using a barometer and influences weather patterns.

Question 5

What instrument measures wind speed?

Answer 5

Anemometer

An anemometer measures wind speed in kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).

Question 6

What is the percentage of water vapor in air?

Answer 6

Relative humidity

Relative humidity is affected by both water vapor content and air temperature.

Question 7

Fill in the blank:

When air reaches 100% relative humidity, it is said to be ________.

Answer 7

saturated

At saturation, condensation occurs, leading to cloud formation or precipitation.

Question 8

What is absolute humidity?

Answer 8

The total amount of water vapor in the air.

Absolute humidity is measured in grams of water per cubic meter of air and represents the actual water vapor content in the air.

Question 9

How is relative humidity measured?

Answer 9

Using a hygrometer.

Hygrometers measure the water vapor content in the air and calculate the relative humidity percentage.

Question 10

What are three main tools used to analyze weather patterns?

Answer 10

1. Weather maps
2. Satellite images
3. Doppler radar

Weather maps – Show temperature, pressure, and precipitation.

Satellite images – Monitor cloud cover and storm movement.

Doppler radar – Detects rain, wind, and storm activity.

Question 11

What does a weather map show?

Answer 11

Atmospheric conditions like temperature, pressure, and precipitation.

Weather maps display fronts, pressure systems, and wind patterns to help forecast weather.

Question 12

Fill in the blank:

H on a weather map represents ______ pressure, while L represents ______ pressure.

Answer 12

high; low

High pressure is associated with clear weather, while low pressure often brings storms.

Question 13

What does a blue line with triangles on a weather map indicate?

Answer 13

A cold front.

The triangles point in the direction the cold air is moving.

Question 14

Fill in the blank:

A ______ front forms when warm air meets and rises over cold air.

Answer 14

warm

Warm fronts often bring light rain followed by warmer, clearer weather.

Question 15

Why are weather balloons used in weather data collection?

Answer 15

They measure temperature, humidity, and pressure at different altitudes.

Data from weather balloons helps forecast weather by providing vertical profiles of the atmosphere.

Question 16

Why does warm air rise in the atmosphere?

Answer 16

Because it is less dense than the surrounding cooler air.

As air warms, its molecules move faster and spread apart, reducing its density. This causes it to rise, creating convection currents that influence weather and climate.

Question 17

What type of cloud is associated with thunderstorms?

Answer 17

Cumulonimbus clouds

These towering clouds are capable of producing heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds.

Question 18

Why does uneven heating cause wind?

Answer 18

Warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating pressure differences.

This process drives global wind patterns, with air moving from high-pressure to low-pressure areas.

Question 19

True or False:

Elevation decreases temperature.

Answer 19

True

As altitude increases, air pressure and temperature decrease, leading to cooler conditions at higher elevations.

Question 20

Define:

precipitation

Answer 20

Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to Earth.

Precipitation includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail, which are essential parts of the water cycle.

Question 21

True or False:

Radar is used to detect precipitation intensity and location.

Answer 21

True

Radar systems use radio waves to identify the size, location, and movement of precipitation.

Question 22

Fill in the blank:

Wind moves from areas with ____ pressure to ____ pressure.

Answer 22

high; low

This movement is caused by pressure differences in the atmosphere, driving air circulation.

Question 23

Define:

probability forecast

Answer 23

A prediction showing the likelihood of an event, like rain or snow.

For example, a 70% chance of rain means a 70% likelihood of precipitation in the area.

Question 24

What is heat capacity?

in meteorology

Answer 24

The ability of a substance to absorb and store heat.

Water has a higher heat capacity than land, meaning it heats and cools more slowly.

Question 25

What are the **three main types** of heat transfer? | in meteorology

Answer 25

1. Conduction 2. Convection 3. Radiation ## Footnote **Conduction** – Heat transfer through direct contact of molecules. **Convection** – Heat transfer through the movement of fluids or gases. **Radiation** – Transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, like sunlight.

Question 26

Which process transfers heat **through direct contact** between particles?

Answer 26

Conduction ## Footnote **Conduction** occurs when heat moves from warmer areas to cooler ones through molecular contact, like when air touches the Earth's surface.

Question 27

What is the **primary source of thermal energy** for Earth's atmosphere?

Answer 27

The Sun ## Footnote *Solar radiation* is the main driver of weather and climate systems, providing energy to the Earth's surface and atmosphere.

Question 28

# True or False: Convection plays a **major role** in the formation of clouds.

Answer 28

True ## Footnote As warm air rises, it cools and condenses to form clouds, which are influenced by **convection** currents in the atmosphere.

Question 29

What **type of thermal energy transfer** causes global wind patterns?

Answer 29

Convection ## Footnote The *differential heating* of the Earth’s surface causes convection currents that lead to large-scale wind patterns like trade winds and westerlies.

Question 30

What is a **large body of air** with uniform temperature and humidity?

Answer 30

Air mass ## Footnote *Air masses* are classified based on their source regions, such as polar or tropical.

Question 31

What are the **two primary factors** that characterize an air mass?

Answer 31

Temperature and humidity ## Footnote These factors determine the **characteristics** of an air mass, such as whether it is warm or cold, and dry or moist.

Question 32

What **type of air mass** forms over the ocean and is warm and moist?

Answer 32

Maritime tropical (mT) ## Footnote These air masses bring *warm and humid conditions*, often resulting in thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Question 33

# Fill in the blank: The air mass that **forms** over land and is cold and dry is ______ polar.

Answer 33

continental ## Footnote These air masses bring **cold**, **dry air** and often result in clear skies and cooler temperatures.

Question 34

# True or False: Air masses are **always static** and do not move once formed.

Answer 34

False ## Footnote *Air masses* are **constantly moving** due to winds and the Earth's rotation, and they interact with each other, leading to changes in weather.

Question 35

What is the **deflection of winds** due to Earth’s rotation called?

Answer 35

The Coriolis effect. ## Footnote The Coriolis effect *causes* winds and ocean currents to **curve** due to Earth’s rotation, deflecting to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 36

# True or False: The Coriolis effect is **stronger** at the equator than at the poles.

Answer 36

False ## Footnote The Coriolis effect is **weakest** at the equator and strongest at the *poles*.

Question 37

# True or False: Warm air can hold **more water vapor** than cold air.

Answer 37

True ## Footnote As temperature increases, the air's capacity to hold water vapor also increases, which *affects* relative humidity.

Question 38

Which **wind pattern** is directly influenced by the Coriolis effect?

Answer 38

Trade winds ## Footnote The *Coriolis effect* causes trade winds in the tropics to blow from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 39

# True or False: Trade winds **blow** from east to west in the Tropics.

Answer 39

True ## Footnote *Trade winds* result from atmospheric circulation and are critical for distributing heat and moisture globally.

Question 40

What are **global wind belts**?

Answer 40

Large-scale **patterns** of wind movement. ## Footnote These wind belts, including trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies, distribute heat and moisture globally, shaping weather and climate.

Question 41

Why do **hurricanes** form over warm ocean waters?

Answer 41

Because warm water provides the **heat energy needed** for their development. ## Footnote Hurricanes require ocean temperatures of at least *26.5°C (79.7°F)* to sustain their energy cycle through evaporation and condensation.

Question 42

# True or False: All hurricanes rotate **counterclockwise**.

Answer 42

False ## Footnote Hurricanes rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere but clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere due to the *Coriolis effect*.

Question 43

# Fill in the blank: The scale used to **classify hurricanes** by wind speed is the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ scale.

Answer 43

Saffir-Simpson ## Footnote This scale **ranks** hurricanes from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest), based on sustained wind speeds.

Question 44

How can hurricanes be **mitigated** to reduce damage?

Answer 44

* Evacuation plans for coastal communities. * Storm surge barriers to block rising water. * Wind-resistant buildings with reinforced roofs and windows. * Improved drainage systems to prevent flooding.

Question 45

What are the **common methods** used to predict hurricanes?

Answer 45

* Satellite Imaging * Doppler Radar * Buoys & Aircraft * Computer Models * Historical Data ## Footnote **Satellite Imaging** – Tracks storm development via cloud patterns. **Doppler Radar** – Measures wind speeds and precipitation. **Buoys & Aircraft** – Collect ocean and atmospheric data. **Computer Models** – Simulate storm paths and intensities. **Historical Data** – Analyzes past trends and climate patterns.

Question 46

What is the **safest location** during a tornado?

Answer 46

A **basement** or **interior room** without windows. ## Footnote Staying in a sturdy, low-level area reduces injury risks from flying debris and collapsing structures.

Question 47

What is the **Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale** used for?

Answer 47

Measuring **tornado intensity** based on damage. ## Footnote The EF scale ranges from *EF0 (weakest)* to *EF5 (strongest)*, categorizing tornadoes by wind speed and destruction levels.

Question 48

What are **three key tools** used to predict tornadoes?

Answer 48

1. Doppler radar 2. Weather balloons 3. Storm spotters ## Footnote **Doppler radar** - Detects wind rotation within thunderstorms, helping meteorologists identify tornadoes before they form. **Weather balloons** – Measure temperature and wind at different altitudes. **Storm spotters** – Trained observers who report funnel clouds and storm conditions.

Question 49

What are the main **climate zones** on Earth?

Answer 49

1. Tropical 2. Temperate 3. Polar ## Footnote *Climate zones* are determined by latitude: tropical near the equator, temperate with moderate temperatures and seasons, and polar near the poles with cold temperatures and low precipitation.

Question 50

What **climatic zone** is typically found near the equator?

Answer 50

Tropical ## Footnote The *tropical zone* is characterized by **high temperatures** year-round and abundant rainfall, primarily due to direct sunlight at this latitude.

Question 51

# Fill in the blanks: The **Arctic climate zone** has \_\_\_\_\_ temperatures and \_\_\_\_\_ precipitation.

Answer 51

cold; low ## Footnote The Arctic zone is dominated by ice and tundra landscapes, with extreme seasonal variations in daylight.

Question 52

Which climate zone is **located** between 66.5°N and 90°N?

Answer 52

Polar ## Footnote The *polar climate zone* experiences extreme cold and long periods of darkness or daylight due to its high latitude.

Question 53

How does latitude **affect** climate?

Answer 53

It determines the **amount** of solar energy received. ## Footnote Regions near the equator receive more *direct sunlight*, leading to warmer climates, while higher latitudes receive *less sunlight*, resulting in cooler climates.

Question 54

What does **elevation mean** in the context of climate?

Answer 54

It refers to the **height of a location** above sea level. ## Footnote Higher elevations typically have *cooler temperatures* and may experience more precipitation due to air rising and cooling.

Question 55

# True or False: The **closer** a region is to the equator, the **colder** its climate.

Answer 55

False ## Footnote Regions near the equator are typically **warmer** due to direct exposure to the Sun’s rays.

Question 56

What is the **angle** of Earth’s axial tilt?

Answer 56

23.5 degrees. ## Footnote Earth’s axial tilt is responsible for *seasonal changes* by altering sunlight distribution throughout the year.

Question 57

How does axial tilt **affect** climate zones?

Answer 57

It creates polar, temperate, and tropical climate zones. ## Footnote The **equator** receives direct sunlight year-round, making it warm, while the poles receive less direct sunlight, making them colder.

Question 58

# True or False: Landforms **do not affect** local climate patterns.

Answer 58

False ## Footnote **Landforms** shape local climate by affecting wind flow, precipitation distribution, and temperature variations. Mountains block *air masses*, creating rain shadows, while valleys *trap heat* and influence wind patterns.

Question 59

What is the **rain shadow effect**?

Answer 59

The **dry area** on the leeward side of a mountain. ## Footnote Moist air loses moisture as it rises over a mountain, causing rain on the windward side. The dry air descending on the leeward side creates the rain shadow effect, often forming deserts like the Great Basin.

Question 60

What **landform** can create the rain shadow effect?

Answer 60

Mountains ## Footnote **Mountains** act as *barriers to air movement*, causing one side to receive abundant rainfall while the other side remains dry.

Question 61

What is a **sea breeze**?

Answer 61

Wind blowing from the **sea to the land**. ## Footnote Sea breezes occur during the day when land heats faster than water, creating a pressure difference.

Question 62

What is a **land breeze**?

Answer 62

Wind blowing from the **land to the sea**. ## Footnote Land breezes occur at night when the land cools faster than the sea, reversing the pressure difference.

Question 63

Why do coastal areas have **milder temperatures** than inland areas?

Answer 63

Because water heats and cools **more slowly** than land. ## Footnote This effect reduces *temperature extremes*, creating a more stable climate near large water bodies.

Question 64

What phenomenon occurs when **cold air passes over warmer lake waters**, causing snow?

Answer 64

Lake Effect ## Footnote This is common in regions *near large lakes*, where the water releases heat, causing rapid condensation of moisture in the cold air.

Question 65

# Define: climate change

Answer 65

**Long-term changes** in temperature, precipitation, and weather. ## Footnote It can be caused by natural factors, such as volcanic eruptions, or by human activities, like burning fossil fuels.

Question 66

What is the **primary human cause** of climate change?

Answer 66

Greenhouse gas emissions. ## Footnote The **burning** of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other gases that *trap heat in the atmosphere*, leading to global warming.

Question 67

What is **one potential effect** of climate change on the environment?

Answer 67

Rising sea levels ## Footnote **Melting** ice caps and glaciers, along with thermal expansion of seawater, contribute to rising sea levels.

Question 68

How do volcanic eruptions **affect** climate?

Answer 68

They release **particles** that cool the Earth. ## Footnote Volcanic *aerosols*, like sulfur dioxide, reflect sunlight and temporarily lower global temperatures.

Question 69

What is the **impact** of variations in solar radiation on climate?

Answer 69

They cause **temperature fluctuations**. ## Footnote Changes in *solar output*, such as during solar cycles, can influence long-term climate patterns.

Question 70

# True or False: El Niño events **lead** to warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific.

Answer 70

True ## Footnote *El Niño* disrupts global weather patterns, causing droughts in some areas and floods in others.

Question 71

List **three** major climate change mitigation strategies.

Answer 71

1. Reducing carbon emissions. 2. Using renewable energy sources. 3. Reforestation and afforestation. ## Footnote These strategies help **lower** greenhouse gas concentrations and slow global warming.