Sun & Heat
What is the main source of Earth's energy?
What is moving air called?
Wind
What tool measures temperature?
Thermometer
What is the atmosphere?
The layer of gases surrounding Earth
What is evaporation?
Liquid water turning into water vapor
What are the 3 primary features heated by the sun?
Land, water, or air
What tool shows wind direction?
Wind vane
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term; climate is long-term patterns
Which layer of the atmosphere has weather?
The troposphere
What is condensation?
Water vapor cooling and forming clouds
What happens to warm air compared to cool air?
Warm air rises, cool air sinks
What scale measures wind speed damage?
Fujita Scale
How does altitude affect temperature?
Higher altitude = colder temperatures
What gas is most important for breathing?
Oxygen
What is precipitation?
Water falling to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail
Why do coastal areas often have milder weather than inland areas?
Water heats and cools more slowly than land
What is a strong spinning wind storm called?
Tornado
What factors affect temperature in a region?
Latitude, altitude, distance from wate
How does the atmosphere help control temperature?
It traps heat and protects Earth from extreme temperatures
How does the water cycle affect weather?
It moves heat and moisture through the atmosphere
What causes different places to have different weather?
Uneven heating of Earth
What causes wind to form?
Differences in air pressure
They receive more direct sunlight year-round
What is air pressure?
The force of air pressing down on Earth
What role do oceans play in the water cycle?
They are the largest source of evaporation