weather and climate change (temperature)

Question 1

climate

Answer 1

Average weather conditions of a specific place over a considerable period, usually MORE THAN 30 years

Question 2

temperature

Answer 2

Conditions of the atmosphere at a specific place over a relatively short period

Question 3

elements of weather

Answer 3

Temperature
Relative humidity
Clouds
Rainfall
Wind

Question 4

temperature definitions

Answer 4

The degree of hotness or coldness of a place
How do we measure temperature?

Question 5

factors affecting temperature at different locations

Answer 5

● Latitude
● Altitude
● Type of surface
● Cloud cover

Question 6

latitude and temperature

Answer 6

● At or near the equator, the angle at which the sun’s rays strike the earth is higher (right angle)
● The solar radiation is concentrated over a smaller area, hence temperature is higher
● The reason regions around the equator are warmer is NOT due to distance from the sun but the angle at which the sun’s rays hit the globe.

Question 7

Why is the top of the mountain cooler than the base?

Answer 7

● At the base of the mountain, the air is denser, with more air and dust particles (air molecules), which retain more heat.
● This is because gravity pulls most air molecules towards the ground surface.
● At the top of the mountain, the air is now less dense with fewer air and dust molecules, which retains less heat.
● Lapse rate: 6.5 degrees Celsius drop for every 1000m increase in altitude

Question 8

factors affecting temp at specific sites

Answer 8

type of surface (albedo)
cloud cover

Question 9

type of surface

Answer 9

The nature of the surface (such as snow cover, vegetation or exposed soil) affects the amount of solar radiation that is absorbed or reflected.
Albedo, or the reflection coefficient, is an index to show the reflectivity of a surface. The higher the albedo, the greater the reflectivity.

Question 10

cloud cover

Answer 10

Refers to the extent to which the cloud covers the sky.

Question 11

Cloud cover affects temp daytime cloudy

Answer 11

During the day, the presence of clouds will reflect some of the solar radiation into space, resulting in less solar radiation reaching the ground and, therefore a relatively low temperature.

Question 12

Cloud cover affects temp daytime not cloudy

Answer 12

On a cloudless day, incoming Solar energy can reach the Earth’s surface without obstruction, hence, the ground will heat up more quickly, resulting in warmer temperatures.

Question 13

Cloud cover affects temp nighttime not cloudy

Answer 13

Clear skies at night will allow the maximum amount of heat to escape into space. Hence, the atmosphere cools down quickly, resulting in a relatively lower temperature.

Question 14

Cloud cover affects temp nighttime cloudy

Answer 14

During nighttime, clouds will slow down the rate at which heat escapes into space. Hence, cloudy nights feel warmer as the atmosphere retains more heat.

Question 15

Cloud cover affecting temp summary presence of clouds

Answer 15

● Lower temperature in the Day
● Higher temperatures in the night
● Smaller diurnal (daily) temperature range

Question 16

cloud cover affecting temperature summary absence of clouds

Answer 16

● Higher temperature in the Day
● Lower temperature at night
● Larger diurnal (daily) temperature range