Weather and Its Elements
What is the process called when water vapor turns into liquid water?
Condensation.
What is a hurricane? Give a one-sentence definition.
A tropical cyclone with strong winds (sustained >= 74 mph) and organized thunderstorms over warm ocean waters.
What is pollution?
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants into the environment, which can negatively affect living organisms and ecosystems.
Define "renewable resource"
resource that can be replenished naturally (e.g., fish stocks when managed sustainably);
What is a coral reef?
A diverse underwater ecosystem formed by colonies of tiny animals (coral) that build reef structures.
Name two instruments used to measure wind speed and wind direction.
Anemometer (measures speed) and wind vane/compass (shows direction).
Name two safety actions a family should take to prepare for a hurricane.
Assemble emergency kit; secure windows and remove loose outdoor items; plan evacuation route.
What does ozone depletion increase?
Ozone depletion increases UV radiation exposure, leading to higher skin cancer risks.
What is the difference between primary and tertiary industries?
Primary industries extract raw materials (fishing, mining); tertiary industries provide services (tourism, banking).
Why are coral reefs important to Bahamian ecosystems and people?
They provide fish habitat and protect shorelines; they support tourism and fisheries.
Give the three main stages of the hydrological cycle in the simplest terms.
Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation.
Explain how meteorologists track and forecast the path of a hurricane
Meteorologists use satellites, radar, weather stations, and computer models to monitor storm position, wind, pressure, and predict track and intensity.
Define "airborne disease" and give one way it can spread.
Diseases transmitted through the air (e.g., influenza); they spread via droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Give one Bahamian example of "renewable resource".
Bahamian example: salt (harvestable but nonrenewable in that form) — better example: fisheries or mangrove-supported fisheries.
Name one way creating a marine protected area can help fisheries.
By restricting fishing in breeding areas, MPAs allow fish populations to recover and spill over into fished areas.
What factor explains why coastal areas in the Bahamas often have milder temperatures than inland areas?
Proximity to the ocean / maritime influence which moderates temperature.
Describe one major environmental impact of a hurricane on coastal ecosystems.
Coastal erosion, damage to mangroves and coral reefs, loss of habitat for marine life.
Explain one human activity that contributes to global warming.
Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases (like CO2) that trap heat in the atmosphere.
Explain why industries are important for economic development in the Bahamas
Industries create jobs, produce goods and services, and bring income that supports infrastructure and education.
Describe two practices that support sustainable water use in the Bahamas.
Rainwater harvesting; fixing leaks and using water-saving appliances; protecting watersheds to reduce runoff.
Interpret this weather symbol: a blue line with triangular points on a map. What does it mean and what weather is commonly associated with it?
Cold front (blue line with triangles) — often brings cooler air, gusty winds, and possible storms.
What is "storm surge" and why is it often more dangerous than the hurricane's wind?
Storm surge is the abnormal rise of seawater pushed ashore by hurricane winds; it can flood large areas and is a leading cause of hurricane deaths.
Give 2 examples of pollution's impact on the environment and Health
•The Great Smog of London (1952), which caused thousands of deaths
•The Flint water crisis in the U.S., where lead contamination led to serious health issues.
What is an endangered species? Name one reason species in the Bahamas might become endangered.
An endangered species faces a high risk of extinction; causes include habitat loss, overfishing, invasive species, pollution.
Explain how protecting mangroves and coral reefs can reduce hurricane damage to coastal communities.
Mangroves and coral reefs absorb wave energy and reduce erosion and flood impacts, lowering damage from storms.