Weather Tools
This tool measures temperature.
Thermometer
This is air moving from high pressure to low pressure.
Winds
This is the layer of gases that surrounds Earth.
atmosphere
The person who studies weather and makes forecasts is called this.
meteorologist
This is the day-to-day condition of the atmosphere.
Weather
This tool measures how fast the wind is blowing.
Anemometer
These steady winds blow in the same direction over long distances.
prevailing winds
This layer is closest to Earth’s surface and is where all weather happens.
troposphere
These colorful maps show temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns.
Weather Maps
This is the average weather pattern over a long period of time.
Climate
This instrument shows wind direction.
Wind Vane
The prevailing winds that blow from west to east in the United States are called this.
westerlies
This layer contains the ozone layer, which protects us from the sun’s rays.
stratosphere
This symbol on a weather map marks areas of low air pressure, often bringing clouds or storms.
L
This line divides Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and affects climate.
Equator
This tool measures air pressure.
Barometer
These winds blow from east to west near the equator.
Trade Winds
As you go higher in the atmosphere, this happens to air pressure.
It decreases
This symbol on a weather map usually shows where rain, snow, or storms are happening.
precipitation symbol
These are large bodies of air with similar temperature and humidity.
Air Masses
This tool collects and measures how much rain has fallen.
Rain Gauge
These winds help move weather systems across the United States from west to east.
jet streams
This layer is the outermost part of Earth’s atmosphere, where air becomes very thin.
exosphere
This symbol on a weather map marks areas of high air pressure, usually bringing clear skies.
H
The boundary where two different air masses meet is called this.
Front