Learning Guide: Weather and Climate
Objectives: 1. Understand the difference between weather and climate 2. Explain Earth-Sun relations and how they affect weather and climate 3. Describe global radiation and temperature patterns 4. Identify different types of precipitation and fog 5. Explain atmospheric circulation and its impact on weather patterns 6. Understand the formation and characteristics of storms 7. Learn about tornadoes and their occurrence in the United States
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Difference between weather and climate: - Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific location, such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind. Climate, on the other hand, refers to the long-term average weather patterns in a region.
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Earth-Sun relations: - The Earth’s tilt and orbit around the Sun play a significant role in determining weather and climate patterns. The angle of sunlight affects the distribution of solar radiation on Earth, leading to seasonal changes.
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Global radiation and temperature: - The amount of solar radiation received by different parts of the Earth’s surface varies based on factors such as latitude, altitude, and cloud cover. This uneven heating leads to temperature variations across the globe.
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Precipitation and Fog: - Precipitation occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses and falls to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Fog is a type of low-lying cloud that forms when air near the ground cools and reaches its dew point.
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Atmospheric circulation: - The movement of air masses around the Earth is influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the Earth’s rotation. This circulation pattern helps distribute heat and moisture across the planet, leading to different weather patterns.
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Storms: - Storms are intense weather events characterized by strong winds, heavy precipitation, and sometimes thunder and lightning. Common types of storms include thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
Resources for National Centers for Environmental Prediction: 1. Climate Prediction Center (CPC): https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/ 2. Environmental Modeling Center (EMC): https://www.emc.ncep.noaa.gov/ 3. National Hurricane Center (NHC): https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ 4. Ocean Prediction Center (OPC): https://www.opc.ncep.noaa.gov/ 5. Storm Prediction Center (SPC): https://www.spc.noaa.gov/ 6. Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC): https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ 7. Weather Prediction Center (WPC): https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/ 8. Aviation Weather Center (AWC): https://www.aviationweather.gov/ 9. Climate Prediction Center (CPC): https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
Tornadoes in the United States: - Tornadoes are a common occurrence in the United States, particularly in the central region known as Tornado Alley. These violent rotating columns of air can cause significant damage and pose a threat to life and property.
Quiz Questions: 1. What is the main difference between weather and climate? Answer: Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term average weather patterns.
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How do Earth-Sun relations influence weather and climate? Answer: The Earth’s tilt and orbit around the Sun affect the distribution of solar radiation, leading to seasonal changes.
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What is precipitation, and how does it form? Answer: Precipitation occurs when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses and falls to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
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What is fog, and how does it form? Answer: Fog is a type of low-lying cloud that forms when air near the ground cools and reaches its dew point.
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How does atmospheric circulation impact weather patterns? Answer: Atmospheric circulation helps distribute heat and moisture across the planet, leading to different weather patterns.
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What are some common types of storms? Answer: Thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes are common types of storms.
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Which National Center for Environmental Prediction focuses on climate forecasting? Answer: Climate Prediction Center (CPC)
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What is the main function of the National Hurricane Center (NHC)? Answer: The NHC monitors and forecasts tropical storms and hurricanes.
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What is Tornado Alley, and why is it prone to tornadoes? Answer: Tornado Alley is a region in the central United States known for its frequent tornado activity due to the clash of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cool, dry air from the Rockies.
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How are tornadoes formed? Answer: Tornadoes form when warm, moist air rises rapidly and meets with cool, dry air, creating a rotating column of air known as a vortex.
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What is the Enhanced Fujita Scale used for? Answer: The Enhanced Fujita Scale is used to classify tornadoes based on their intensity and the damage they cause.
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What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning? Answer: A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornado formation, while a tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted or detected on radar.
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What is the safest place to seek shelter during a tornado? Answer: The safest place to seek shelter during a tornado is in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
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How fast can tornado winds reach? Answer: Tornado winds can reach speeds of over 300 miles per hour.
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What is the most common time of year for tornadoes in the United States? Answer: The peak tornado season in the United States is typically from March to June.
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What is the difference between a hurricane and a tornado? Answer: Hurricanes are large, rotating storms that form over warm ocean waters, while tornadoes are smaller, rotating columns of air that form over land.
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What is the eye of a hurricane? Answer: The eye of a hurricane is a calm, circular area at the center of the storm with clear skies and light winds.
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How are hurricanes named? Answer: Hurricanes are named alphabetically from a list of predetermined names by the World Meteorological Organization.
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What is the main cause of thunderstorms? Answer: Thunderstorms are caused by the rapid upward movement of warm, moist air that cools and condenses, leading to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds.
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What is the difference between a supercell and a squall line? Answer: A supercell is a type of severe thunderstorm with a rotating updraft, while a squall line is a line of severe thunderstorms that can produce damaging winds and tornadoes.
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What is the main source of energy for hurricanes? Answer: The main source of energy for hurricanes is the warm ocean water, which provides the heat and moisture needed for the storm to intensify.
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What is the Coriolis effect, and how does it influence weather patterns? Answer: The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects caused by the Earth’s rotation. It influences the direction of winds and ocean currents, leading to the formation of weather systems.
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What is the difference between a cold front and a warm front? Answer: A cold front occurs when a cold air mass displaces a warm air mass, leading to cooler temperatures and possible storms. A warm front occurs when a warm air mass overtakes a cold air mass, bringing warmer temperatures and precipitation.
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What is the greenhouse effect, and how does it impact climate change? Answer: The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have increased the concentration of these gases, leading to global warming and climate change.
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How do El Niño and La Niña events influence global weather patterns? Answer: El Niño and La Niña are climate phenomena characterized by changes in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. El Niño events can lead to warmer and wetter conditions in some regions, while La Niña events can bring cooler and drier conditions.
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