Review unit on weather.
Key words and topics:
atmosphere | water cycle | humidity | runoff | clouds |
troposphere | evaporation | air mass | groundwater | sirrus |
air pressure | condensation | front | barometer | stratus |
local winds | precipitation | climate | wind vane | cumulus |
prevailing winds | transpiration | humidity | wind sock | anemometer |
air mass - a body of air that has about the same temperature and humidity
air pressure - force of the atmosphere pushing down on Earth
anemometer - scientific instrument used to measure the speed of wind
atmosphere - the layer of air surrounding Earth
barometer - scientific instrument used to measure air pressure
cirrus cloud - thin wispy cloud made of ice crystals found high in troposphere
climate - average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time
cumulus - cloud large puffy cloud (mid level cloud)
front - a boundary between two unlike air masses
humidity - the amount of water vapor in the air
hygrometer - scientific instrument used to measure humidity
local winds - winds that affect only a small area of Earth
prevailing winds - winds that move over large parts of the Earth's surface
rain gauge - scientific instrument used to measure precipitation
stratus cloud - layer of low level cloud
troposphere - bottom layer of Earth's atmosphere where most weather occurs and where most oxygen is found
water vapor - water is the form of a gas
weather - condition of the atmosphere at a certain place and time
wind vane - scientific instrument used to show the direction the wind is coming from
water cycle - the constant process in which water moves between the Earth and its atmosphere
evaporation - the process of water changing from liquid water to water vapor (a gas) because of heat from the Sun
condensation - the process of water changing from water vapor (a gas) to liquid water when cooled
groundwater - water found inside the Earth
transpiration - the process of excess water being released from plants
runoff - water melting and flowing downward generally to rivers, lakes, and oceans
the sun (our star) - the cause of the water cycle
wind - moving air
warm air rises and cold air takes warm airs place
6 weather factors
temperature
air pressure
wind
humidity
precipitation
cloudiness
cold fronts bring short storms and colder weather
warm fronts bring longer precipitation and warmer weather
weather in the United States flows from West to East on the prevailing westerlies
Climate depends on several factors including latitude (distance North or South of the equator), altitude (distance above sea level), precipitation, and average wind speed and direction. Shape of the land can also affect climate (mountains can block winds or a large body of water can cause increased precipitation).
Test in Early November! Good luck!
Last Question is an Open Response on the Water Cycle!!
From this review unit on weather, Students should gain an understanding that weather is measurable and predictable in the short term, that the water cycle is critical for our planet, and that weather and climate, although related, are different.
Water Cycle Words to Know!
- Water Cycle
- Sun
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Transpiration
- Capillary Action
- Groundwater
- Runoff
- Collection Spot
- Heating and Cooling