Sun, Weather & Climate
What is the main source of energy that drives Earth’s weather and climate?
The Sun
What happens to warm air in the atmosphere?
It rises
What do we call tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean?
Hurricanes
Which Earth system includes oceans, lakes, and water vapor?
The hydrosphere
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term conditions; climate is long-term averages.
What happens to cool air?
It sinks
What do hurricanes and typhoons have in common?
They are the same type of storm, just named differently based on location.
How do oceans affect air temperature above them?
They absorb and release heat, warming or cooling the air.
Which Earth system stores heat and releases it slowly, helping regulate climate?
The hydrosphere (oceans)
What effect causes winds to curve because of Earth’s rotation?
The Coriolis Effect
What temperature must ocean water usually be for a tropical cyclone to form?
About 26.5°C (80°F)
What role does warm, moist air play in storm formation?
It rises and fuels storms with energy.
Why do coastal areas usually have milder temperatures than inland areas?
Water absorbs and releases heat more slowly than land.
Name one global wind belt that affects weather patterns. (bonus for all three)
Trade winds, westerlies, or polar easterlies
Where do tropical cyclones get most of their energy?
Warm ocean water
How does low air pressure contribute to tropical cyclone development?
It allows warm air to rise, strengthening the storm.
Explain how uneven heating from the Sun leads to wind and weather patterns.
Uneven heating causes differences in air pressure, making air move from high to low pressure, creating wind and weather systems.
Explain how global wind patterns influence local weather.
They move warm or cold air and moisture into regions, affecting temperature and precipitation.
Why do hurricanes weaken after making landfall?
They lose access to warm ocean water and experience more friction.
Explain how ocean currents and air masses work together to create powerful storms.
Warm currents heat the air, causing rising motion and low pressure, which leads to strong winds and storm development.