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Weather. Ch. 16. Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a certain time and place. It is affected by the amount of water vapor in the air. The water cycle describes the movement of water above, on, and below Earth’s surface.
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Weather Ch. 16
Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a certain time and place. • It is affected by the amount of water vapor in the air. • The water cycle describes the movement of water above, on, and below Earth’s surface. • Water is continuously moving and changing state as it moves through the water cycle.
Humidity describes the amount of water vapor in the air. • Relative humidity is a way to express humidity. • When the temperature of the air cools to its dew point, the air has reached saturation and condensation occurs.
Clouds form as air cools to its dew point. • Clouds are classified by form and by the altitude at which they form. • 3 main types: • Cumulus • Stratus • Cirrus
Precipitation occurs when the water vapor that condenses in the atmosphere falls back to Earth in solid or liquid form. • Types of precipitation: • Rain • Snow • Sleet • Hail
Air Masses and Fronts • Air masses are characterized by their moisture content and temperature. • Air masses form over source regions. • Have similar temperature and moisture content throughout • A front occurs where 2 air masses meet. • Specific types of weather are associated with each front. • Four major types of fronts are: • Cold • Warm • Occluded • Stationary fronts
Difference in air pressure cause: • cyclones, which bring stormy weather • Anticyclones, which bring dry, clear weather
Severe Weather • Thunderstorms are intense weather systems that produce strong winds, heavy rain, lightening, and thunder. • Lightningis a large electrical discharge that occurs between 2 oppositely charged surfaces. • It releases a great deal of energy and can be very dangerous.
Tornadosare small, rotating columns of air that touch the ground and can cause severe damage. • Hurricanes are large, rotating tropical weather systems. • Cause strong winds and can cause severe property damage.
In the event of severe weather, it is important to stay safe. • Listening to your local tv or radio station for updates and remaining indoors and away from windows are good rules to follow.
Forecasting the Weather • Meteorologists use several instruments to forecast the weather. • Weather balloons • Thermometers • Barometers • Anemometers • Windsocks • Weather vanes • Radar • Weather satellites
Station models show the weather conditions at various points across he United States. • Weather maps show areas of high and low pressure as well as the location of fronts.