Elements of Weather
Weather Maps
Atmospheric Pressure
100

This element of weather, in many parts of the world, changes with the seasons and is the measure of how warm or cold it is outside.

What is temperature?

100

Weather maps are created by these scientists, who specialize in the study of Earth's atmosphere and weather.

What are meteorologists?

100

Clear, sunny weather is due to a given area experiencing this type of air pressure.

What is high air pressure?

200

In simple terms, this element of weather is the movement of air across the Earth's surface.

What is wind?

200

The symbols "H" and "L" on weather maps represent these.

What are high and low pressure areas?

200

Cloudy weather with a chance of precipitation is due to a given area experiencing this type of air pressure.

What is low air pressure?

300

This element of weather comes in many forms, including rain, hail, sleet, and snow.

What is precipitation?

300

Weather maps have become much more accurate over the years thanks to these special, high-tech objects, which orbit high above the Earth.

What are satellites?

300

This important tool measures atmospheric pressure.

What is a barometer?

400

The amount of moisture in the air. Since warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, this element of weather is usually experienced in the summer.

What is humidity?

400

On weather maps, these are represented by a solid red line and red semi-circles that move across the map.

What are warm fronts?

400

Atmospheric pressure is the weight of the air above a certain location. The fact that we experience air pressure at all is due to this very important force, which pulls air molecules down towards the Earth.

What is gravity?

500

The weight of air over a given area.

What is atmospheric pressure?

500

On weather maps, these are represented by solid blue lines and blue triangles that move across the map.

What are cold fronts?

500

Changes in atmospheric pressure mainly depend on two things: the weight of the atmosphere over a certain area, and this, which affects the speed at which air molecules move.

What is temperature?

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