Weather, Water, & Oceans

Review unit on weather. 

Key words and topics:

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