Weather & Climate Mr. Skirbst Life Science Topic 20

Weather & Climate

Mr. SkirbstLife Science

Topic 20

Weather

Weather

The condition of the atmosphere in terms of heat, pressure, wind, and moisture

Atmosphere- Mixture of gases surrounding the Earth

Atmosphere- Mixture of gases surrounding the Earth- Four (4) distinct layers in the atmosphere

4 Layers of Atmosphere

Troposphere – (0 to 16 km)- lowest layer where most weather takes place- av. Temp. decreases- Tropopause is top boundary

4 Layers of Atmosphere

Stratosphere – (16 – 48 km)- Ozone layer absorbs UV light- Av. Temp. increases- Stratopause is top boundary

4 Layers of Atmosphere

Mesosphere – (48 – 80 km)- Protects us from meteoroids- Av. Temp. decreases (-100oC)- Mesopause is top boundary

4 Layers of AtmosphereThermosphere– (80 - 3200 km)

- Av. Temp. increases (>2000oC)- Lower layer – Ionosphere

- bounces radio signals- Upper layer – Exosphere

- satellites orbit here

Heat Energy-The sun is the sources of most of the heat in the atmosphere

Heat Energy-The sun is the sources of most of the heat in the atmosphere- Heat is spread in 3 ways:

Heat Energy-The sun is the sources of most of the heat in the atmosphere- Heat is spread in 3 ways:

1. Radiation – transfer by waves

Heat Energy-The sun is the sources of most of the heat in the atmosphere- Heat is spread in 3 ways:

1. Radiation – transfer by waves2. Conduction – by contact

Heat Energy-The sun is the sources of most of the heat in the atmosphere- Heat is spread in 3 ways:

1. Radiation – transfer by waves2. Conduction – by contact3. Convection – by fluid (air too)

Heat Energy

Heat Energy Greenhouse

Effect:

Air Pressure- Force of atmosphere pushing

on the Earth’s surface- Depends on air’s density

Air Pressure- Force of atmosphere pushing

on the Earth’s surface- Depends on air’s density- 3 factors affecting air pressure

Air Pressure1. Temperature

- as temp increases,air pressure decreases

Air Pressure2. Water Vapor

- moisture in air- as water vapor increases,air pressure decreases

Air Pressure3. Altitude

- elevation above sea level- as altitude increases,air pressure decreases

Wind

- Movement of air due to differences in air pressure resulting from unequal heating of the atmosphere

Wind2 Types of wind:

1. Local Wind (short distances)

Wind2 Types of wind:

1. Local Wind (short distances)Sea breeze – from sea to land

Wind2 Types of wind:

1. Local Wind (short distances)Sea breeze – from sea to landLand breeze – from land to sea

Wind2 Types of wind:

2. Global Wind (long distances)

Coriolis Effect – shift in movement above surface resulting from Earth’s spin

WindCoriolis Effect:Northern Hemisphere –Shift is always to the RIGHT

WindCoriolis Effect:Northern Hemisphere –Shift is always to the RIGHTSouthern Hemisphere –Shift is always to the LEFT

WindCoriolis Effect:

WindGlobal Wind Patterns:

HumidityMoisture in the air (water vapor)

HumidityMoisture in the air (water vapor)Relative Humidity – a measure

of the amount of moisture

% RH = moisture in airMoisture air can hold

HumidityPsychrometer – instrument with

a dry and wet bulb used to measure relative humidity

CloudsCollection of condensed

moisture in the air (moisture condenses to dust particles)

Clouds3 Types of Clouds:

Clouds3 Types of Clouds:1. Cumulus – white, tall and fluffy

Clouds3 Types of Clouds:2. Stratus – grey, flat and layered

Clouds3 Types of Clouds:3. Cirrus – feathery, high + wispy

PrecipitationRainSnowSleetHailFreezing rainAcid Rain

Weather ForcastingWeather map symbolsBuy’s Ballots LawOrographic Effect

ClimateGeneral weather in an area over

a long period of time