Lesson 1
Name the two kinds of barometers that we learned about in class.
Mercury Barometer and Aneroid Barometer
How does temperature affect evaporation and transpiration?
Higher temperatures increase rates of evaporation and transpiration.
What is the weather?
Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a specific time and place, including temperature, air pressure, wind, and precipitation.
What is climate?
Climate is the average weather in a region over a long period, typically 30 years.
Which layer of the atmosphere is where weather occurs, and why is it important for life?
The troposphere is where weather occurs. It is important because it contains oxygen and regulates Earth's temperature, supporting life.
What is the atmosphere?
The atmosphere is a protective blanket of gases surrounding Earth. It shields us from harmful solar rays, regulates Earth's temperature, and provides oxygen for life.
What are the main processes of the water cycle?
Evaporation, Condensation, and Precipitation
Define an air mass and give an example of how it affects weather.
An air mass is a large body of air with similar temperature and moisture. For example, a warm air mass brings warm and humid conditions.
Name the three main climate zones.
Tropical Zone, Temperate Zone, and Polar Zone.
What are the differences between evaporation and transpiration, and how do they contribute to the water cycle?
Evaporation: The process where water turns into vapor and rises into the air.
Transpiration: The release of water vapor from plants through tiny openings in their leaves.
Both processes add water vapor to the atmosphere, helping to maintain the water cycle.
List the five layers of the atmosphere.
Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere.
How does snow form during precipitation?
Snow forms when water vapor freezes directly into ice crystals, skipping the liquid stage.
Name the three types of global winds.
Trade Winds (Easterlies), Westerlies, and Polar Easterlies.
How does latitude affect the temperature of a region?
Closer to the equator, warmer temperatures are due to more direct sunlight. Farther from the equator, Cooler temperatures due to less direct sunlight.
How do warm and cold air masses affect the formation of weather fronts?
Warm and cold air masses meet at weather fronts, causing weather changes.
What is the ozone layer, and how does it protect life on Earth?
The ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun, protecting living organisms from damage and mutations.
What is groundwater, and why is it important?
Groundwater is water stored underground in soil and rock layers. It provides freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and helps maintain rivers and lakes.
Why do warm air masses create low-pressure areas?
Warm air rises because it is less dense, creating low-pressure areas below.
What is the greenhouse effect, and why is it important for life on Earth?
The greenhouse effect traps heat in Earth’s atmosphere, keeping the planet warm enough to support life.
How do ocean currents and nearby bodies of water influence the climate of a region?
Ocean currents move warm or cool water, affecting temperatures in nearby regions. Areas near large bodies of water have milder climates because water heats and cools more slowly than land.
Why does air pressure decrease as you go higher in the atmosphere?
Air pressure decreases because there is less air above to exert weight as altitude increases.
Explain how transpiration from plants contributes to the water cycle.
Transpiration releases water vapor from plants into the atmosphere, adding moisture to the air.
How do meteorologists use barometers to predict weather patterns?
Barometers measure air pressure. Rising pressure indicates fair weather, while falling pressure signals stormy conditions.
Explain how human activities like burning fossil fuels contribute to climate change.
Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which trap more heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
What is the difference between weather and climate, and how does each impact daily life?
Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term pattern of weather in a region. Weather affects daily activities, while climate influences long-term decisions, such as what crops to plant or how to build homes.