Weather and the Atmosphere
What is volume?
Volume refers to how much space something takes up.
What does it mean to "compress" air?
To push air into a smaller space using pressure or force
What is the equation for density?
density = mass/volume
What is latitude?
Name 3 places that water can move in the water cycle.
1. Glaciers
2. Oceans
3. Animals
4. Ground water
5. Lakes
6. Rivers
7. Plant
8. Atmosphere
9. Soil
What layer of the atmosphere would meteorologists be most interested in studying? Why?
The troposphere because all weather occurs in the troposphere.
What is an isobar used for?
A ball has a volume of 50mL and a mass of 100g. What is its density?
d = m/v
100g/50mL = 2g/1mL
Location A experiences a solar angle of 90°. Location B experiences a solar angle of 45°. Which location experiences more consistent weather patterns?
Location A
Which statement best describes what happens to water immediately after it evaporates?
Water falls to Earth as rain, snow, or sleet.
Water vapor condenses into clouds.
Water lands on Earth as surface water runoff.
Water vapor rises until it meets cool air.
Water vapor rises until it meets cool air
What are the two most abundant gases in the atmosphere?
1. Nitrogen
2. Oxygen
Near high pressure areas, winds flow...
Clockwise
As air is warmed, it becomes _______________ dense. As air is cooled, it becomes _______________ dense.
2. More
Winds are caused by which of the following:
Differential heating of the earth
Coriolis effect
Jet stream
Sun spots
Differential heating of the earth
Describe how clouds form.
1. Water evaporates and water vapor rises
2. As water vapor moves higher up in the atmosphere, it begins to cool and condense on particles of dust, salt, and smoke in the air.
3. As particles lose even more energy, they move closer together until a cloud is formed.
What is the relationship between dew point and humidity?
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Dew point is the temperature at which that water vapor can condense into a liquid.
Near low pressure areas, winds flow...
Counter clockwise
Why does warm air “rise” and cool air sink?
Warm air is less dense because the particles have more energy and are more spaced out. This allows it to float on top of cooler air. Cool air particles have less energy, so they are closer together. This makes the air more dense, which causes it to sink.
What is the effect on Earth of the relationship between latitude, solar angle, and climate? Include a model below your explanation.
When the north pole is tilted toward the sun, sunlight hits the northern hemisphere latitudes at the most direct angle, causing warmer seasonal weather (spring and summer)
When the north pole is tilted away from the sun, the opposite seasonal effect occurs (fall and winter)
Describe evidence that supports the claim, “Increased amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can result in a warmer climate on Earth.”
Carbon dioxide absorbs infrared rays from the sun, trapping heat in the atmosphere. Second, deforestation reduces the number of trees which, which means we have less trees converting.
We have data collected over a long time that shows that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased significantly. At the same time, we have data that shows that the sea temperatures are also increasing.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is the current state of the atmosphere at a given time and place. Climate is the average weather a region experiences over a long period of time.
Describe the relationship between air pressure, volume, and density.
High pressure = higher density (sinks) and less volume (takes up less space)
Low pressure = lower density (floats) and more volume (takes up more space)
Describe the process of convection.
1. A heat source warms air.
2. The air is less dense and floats on top of the cooler air.
3. As the air moves farther from the heat source, it cools down, making it more dense.
4. The more dense, cool air sinks, and pushes the air towards the heat source.5. The cycle repeats itself.
What is the difference between conduction, convection, and radiation?
Conduction - energy transfer through contact
Convection - energy transfer due to differences in densities of fluids
Radiation - energy transfer through air and space
What did Ms. Chiem study in college?
1. Human Development and Family Studies
2. Psychology