Geographical Skills

Question 0

instrument to measure wind speed and direction

Answer 0

wind speed -anemometer/ weather tracker

wind direction -wind vane

Question 1

instrument to measure temperature

Answer 1

1) analogue/digital thermometer
2) max/min thermometer
3) Six’ thermometer
4) weather tracker

Question 2

instrument to measure humidity

Answer 2

1) hygrometer
2) sling psychrometer
3) weather tracker

Question 3

instrument to measure pressure

Answer 3

barometer

Question 4

Where to site a rain gauge

Answer 4

• open area, unobstructed space
• slightly elevated ground to prevent backsplash, embedded on grassy ground not concrete to prevent toppling

: ensure accuracy in reading of rainfall data (prevent parallax error)
:emptied after every reading to ensure consistency and prevent evaporation

Question 5

Where to place a max/min thermometer

Answer 5

-placed in Stevenson screen, kept out of direct sunlight, elevate the thermometer at least 1.5 m above ground (since the ground absorbs heat)

Question 6

how to use an anemometer

Answer 6

• stand at the end of an open corridor in the second or third floor where wind flows freely
• hold up the anemometer
• read the wind speed off the display on the anemometer

Question 7

how to use a wind vane

Answer 7

• place wind vane where the wind is blowing directly at it. hold the wind vane away from you slightly above head and ensure there is no obstruction
• record the direction the wind vane points to.

Question 8

how to use a barometer

Answer 8

check that the moveable pointer is arranged over the measuring hand to mark the current pressure
determine the pressure: the measuring hand moves according to the air pressure
pressure is falling if the measuring hand moves towards the left and rising if it moves to the right

Question 9

why is it important to take the measurements at the same time each day

Answer 9

• ensure consistency as ____ might be affected by other factors (eg changing temp)
• serve as a basis for comparison (standardization)