theme 2

• What is the definition of weather?

  The current state of the atmosphere, e.g., it is cloudy and cold
• How is climate defined?

  The average pattern of weather, usually over 30 years
• What are the main climate zones of the world?

  • Polar
  • Temperate
  • Arid
  • Humid

  
• How is precipitation measured?

  In millimeters (mm)
• How is sunshine measured?

  In hours
• How is cloud cover measured?

  In oktas
• How is atmospheric pressure measured?

  In millibars
• How is wind speed measured?

  In kilometers per hour (km/h)
• How is humidity measured?

  In percentage (%)
• What is the Urban Heat Island effect?

  • Urban areas are usually a few degrees warmer than rural areas
  • Caused by concrete absorbing more heat
  • Air pollution generates additional heat
• What characterizes polar climates?

  Very cold with little precipitation, mostly as snow
• What are the characteristics of arid climates?

  Hot and dry
• What defines humid climates?

  Hot and wet
• How does latitude affect climate?

  The closer you are to the equator, the warmer it will be due to concentrated sun rays
• How does altitude affect temperature?

  The higher up you go, the colder it gets because the air is less dense
• How does distance from the sea influence climate?

  Places close to the sea are cooler in summer and warmer in winter
• What is the effect of prevailing wind direction on climate?

  Wind over land is warmer in summer and colder in winter, while wind over the ocean is cooler in summer and warmer in winter
• What are the characteristics of high and low pressure systems?

  • High Pressure: Heavy, clear skies, light winds
  • Low Pressure: Light, wet and windy weather

  
• What is an anticyclone?

  A high-pressure system with clockwise wind direction and settled weather

  
• What weather is associated with anticyclones in summer?

  Clear skies, light winds, warm and dry conditions
• What weather is associated with anticyclones in winter?

  Clear skies, light winds, cold and frosty conditions
• What are the types of rain and their characteristics?

  • Frontal Rain: Caused by warm air pushing into cold air
  • Convectional Rain: Formed by heated ground causing air to rise
  • Relief Rain: Occurs when air rises over high land

  
• How does convectional rain form?

  Sun heats the ground, causing air to rise, cool, and condense into precipitation

  
• How does frontal rain form?

  A wedge of warm air pushes into cold air, causing condensation and rain

  
• What is the significance of the warm and cold fronts in frontal rain?

  The warm front has warm air behind it, while the cold front has cold air behind it
• What is a rain shadow effect?

  It occurs on the opposite side of high land where air descends, warms, and moisture evaporates
• What are the characteristics of depressions on weather maps?

  Isobars are close together and wiggly, with anticlockwise winds and wet, windy weather
• What are the causes of a semi-arid climate?

  • Consistently high temperatures
  • Short wet season
  • Global atmospheric circulation
  • Rain shadows
• What defines an equatorial climate?

  Hot and wet all year, with low temperature range and high rainfall
• Why do equatorial climates experience convectional rainfall daily?

  High temperatures lead to rapid evaporation, causing air to rise, cool, and condense
• Why do equatorial regions not have seasons?

  The sun is always concentrated at the same angle all year round
• What is the climate of the UK characterized as?

  Temperate, meaning no real extremes
• What is the temperature range in the UK during summer and winter?

  Summer reaches 19°C (July) and winter goes down to 4°C (January)
• How consistent is rainfall in the UK throughout the year?

  Rainfall is fairly consistent all year
• Why does the UK experience seasons?

  Due to the tilt of the earth
• How does the tilt of the earth affect summer and winter temperatures?

  In summer, the tilt is 23° towards the sun, making rays more concentrated; in winter, it is tilted away, spreading rays out

  
• What air masses affect the UK and what weather do they bring?

  Polar maritime brings cold and wet weather; tropical maritime brings warm and wet weather
• Why is the south of the UK warmer than the north?

  Because the south has more concentrated sun rays due to latitude
• Why are highland areas such as the Pennines cooler?

  They are higher up, so the air is less dense and cannot retain heat
• Why are western parts of the UK wetter?

  Because the North Atlantic Drift brings most of the weather across the Atlantic Ocean