Science - Weather Flashcards
What is weather?
The temperature and conditions in a specific place at a specific time.
What is climate?
The patterns of weather in a specific place over a long period of time (usually 30 years or more).
A scientist who studies the weather is called a _____ .
A meteorologist.
What is a cold front?
When a cold air mass pushes into a warm air mass.
What does an anemometer measure?
Wind speed in mph.
What does a thermometer measure?
temperature in degrees Celsius or Farenheit
What does a rain gauge measure?
amount of rain in inches or millimeters
What does a wind vane (or weather vane) tell us?
Wind direction, N, S, E or W.
What can people do if there is a tornado warning for their area?
Stay indoors, go to the basement, shelter in their bathtub, etc.
What is a warm front?
When a mass of warm air pushes into a cold air mass.
What are some examples of when weather causes safety issues for people?
- Tornadoes and hurricanes damage buildings and throw cars.
- Lots of rain can cause flooding and mud slides.
- Not enough rain can cause droughts and loss of crops.
- Extreme heat can cause heat stroke and other health issues.
- Storms can cause damage and power outages.
Why is the weather report useful to people?
It helps us choose appropriate clothing and activities for the day.
What is El Niño?
When the wind stops blowing as hard across the tropical Pacific Ocean, and causes higher water temperatures. It affects weather patterns around the world.
How does the Sun affect our weather?
Heat energy from the Sun heats up the land and evaporates water around the world every day.
What are the 3 steps of the water cycle?
1) Evaporation - water evaporates into vapour and rises into the air.
2) Condensation - water vapour cools and particles come back together in droplets.
3) Precipitation - the water droplets get heavy enough that they fall from the clouds as rain, snow, or hail.
