Sun & Energy
What does the Sun give Earth that helps cause weather?
Energy (heat)
Name one part of the water cycle.
Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff
What is an air mass?
A large body of air with similar temperature and humidity.
What does weather radar mainly show?
Rain, snow, or storms.
What does “uneven heating” mean?
Some places get more heat than others.
Why does water evaporate faster on a hot day?
The Sun adds heat energy to the water.
What causes water to fall back to Earth as rain or snow?
Gravity
What usually happens when a cold air mass meets a warm air mass?
The cold air sinks under warm air, often causing clouds and precipitation.
Why do forecasts become less accurate farther into the future?
Weather systems change.
Why does land heat up faster than water?
Land absorbs heat more quickly.
What happens to air when it is heated by the Sun?
It becomes warmer and rises.
Why does water condense into clouds as it rises higher in the atmosphere?
Air cools as it rises, causing water vapor to lose energy and condense.
What does high air pressure usually bring?
Clear, calm weather.
What does a line with triangles on a map usually show?
A cold front.
What is the greenhouse effect?
Gases in the air trap heat.
Why are places near the equator warmer than places near the poles?
They receive more direct sunlight.
What would happen to the water cycle if the Sun stopped heating Earth?
Evaporation would slow or stop.
Why are thunderstorms more common along cold fronts?
Warm air is forced upward quickly, creating tall clouds and unstable conditions.
Why is radar helpful for making short-term forecasts?
It shows where storms are and where they’re moving.
Why is Earth warm enough for life?
The greenhouse effect keeps heat from escaping.
How does uneven heating from the Sun help create wind?
Warm air rises and cooler air moves in to replace it.
Explain how energy, gravity, and density work together to complete the water cycle.
Energy drives evaporation, density differences cause rising and sinking air, and gravity returns water to Earth’s surface.
How can moving air masses change the weather in one day?
They bring different temperatures and moisture.
Why are weather symbols helpful on maps?
They show a lot of information quickly.
How does uneven heating affect weather and climate?
t causes wind, weather patterns, and climate differences.