Weather and Climate

• What is the definition of weather?

  Weather is the conditions of the Earth's atmosphere over a short period of time.
• How is climate defined?

  Climate is the average conditions of the Earth's atmosphere over long periods of time.
• What is the difference between weather and climate?

  • Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions
  • Climate: Long-term average atmospheric conditions
• What is the purpose of a rain gauge?

  A rain gauge is used for measuring precipitation.
• What does a thermometer measure?

  A thermometer measures temperature.
• What is the function of a barometer?

  A barometer is used for measuring air pressure.
• What does a hygrometer measure?

  A hygrometer measures humidity.
• What is the purpose of an anemometer?

  An anemometer measures wind speed.
• What does a wind vane indicate?

  A wind vane indicates wind direction.
• What are the main elements measured in weather and their instruments?

  • Temperature: Thermometer (°C)
  • Precipitation: Rain Gauge (mm)
  • Wind Direction: Weather Vane (compass directions)
  • Wind Speed: Anemometer (km/hr)
  • Humidity: Hygrometer (percentage)
  • Air Pressure: Barometer (millibars)
• What are the three main causes of rainfall mentioned?

  Prevailing winds, air forced to rise over land, and moisture leading to precipitation.
• What happens when a cold polar air mass meets a tropical air mass?

  The warmer tropical air mass rises over the cold polar air mass.
• What is convectional rainfall?


  Convectional rainfall occurs when warm air rises, cools, and condenses, leading to rain.
• What are the different climate types mentioned in the study material?

  • Polar: Very cold and dry all year
  • Temperate: Cold winters and mild summers
  • Tropical: Hot and wet all year
  • Mediterranean: Mild winters, dry hot summers
  • Mountains: Cool/cold all year
• What factors affect climate?

  1. Latitude
  2. Altitude
  3. Aspect
  4. Continentality
  5. Wind direction
• How does latitude affect temperature?

  Temperatures decrease as you move away from the equator due to the sun's rays being dispersed over a larger area.
• How does altitude influence temperature?

  Temperatures decrease with height because air is less dense, dropping by $1°C$ for every $100$ metres in altitude.
• How does continentality affect temperature?

  Land heats and cools faster than the sea, leading to lower temperatures in coastal areas compared to inland areas.
• How does wind direction affect temperature?

  If wind blows from a warm place, it increases temperature; if from a cold place, it lowers temperature.
• How does aspect influence temperature?

  Slopes facing the sun are warmer than those that do not receive direct sunlight.
• What is a microclimate?

  A microclimate is a local set of atmospheric conditions that differ from surrounding areas.
• What is an air mass?

  An air mass is a large body of air with similar temperature and humidity levels.
• How does the origin of an air mass affect its characteristics?

  If an air mass comes from water, it will be cold and humid; if from land, it will be hot and dry.
• What are the five different air masses affecting the UK?

  • Polar maritime air mass
  • Arctic maritime air mass
  • Tropical maritime air mass
  • Tropical continental air mass
  • Polar continental air mass
• What are isobars?

  Isobars are lines on a map that connect points of equal atmospheric pressure.
• What is high pressure in meteorology?

  High pressure occurs when air is pushing down on the ground.
• What is a depression in meteorology?

  A depression is an area of low pressure that moves from west to east in the northern hemisphere.
• What occurs during a warm front?

  A warm front occurs when warm air rises above cold air, bringing steady showers.
• What happens during a cold front?

  A cold front occurs when cold air meets warm air, pushing the warm air upwards and bringing heavy rain showers.
• What is an occluded front?

  An occluded front occurs when a cold front catches up with a warm front, resulting in sudden downpours and heavy rain.
• What are anti-cyclones?

  • Areas of high pressure
  • Push away other weather systems
  • Characterized by little cloud cover
  • Stable weather conditions
  • Generally dry, hot in summer, cold in winter