Social Studies - Weathering the Storm Flashcards
Weather
the day to day conditions of the atmosphere. this includes temperature, rain and wind
Climate
the average weather conditions of a place usually measured over one year
Polar zone
Temperatures are cold all year and is extremely cold and dark in winter. Little to no rainfall
Tropical zone
Temperatures are hot all year and rainfall is high
Temperate zone
4 distinct seasons, temperature is mild to warm and has moderate rainfall
Continental climate
the climate on the continents interior, which typically has temperature extremes and low precipitation
Precipitation
Any liquid or frozen water that forms in the atmosphere and falls back to the earth
Maritime climate
a coastal climate which typically has mild temperature and high precipitation
Microclimate
a local set of atmospheric conditions that differ from those in surrounding areas
Latitude
refers to the location of a place on the globe near the equator. The lower the latitude (equator is 0) the higher the temperature due to the angle of the axis of the earth
Relief
Relief is the shape of the earth - mountains and valleys which influences both rain and wind
What are the 3 ways relief affects NZ’s climate
rainshadow
wind funneling
orographic rainfall
What is rainshadow
A dry area on the leeward sids of a mountainous area. The mountains block the passage of rain producing weather systems with moisture loosing in the air, advances across the mountains creating a drier side
What is an example of rainshadow
Christchurch, Nelson, Alexandra
Wind funneling
whereby wind is forced to flow through a narrow opening between adjacent land areas, resulting in increased wind speed.
What is convectional rainfall
when warm surface air expands and carries moisture into the air. if the ground is wet it makes the rising air extremely moist which builds up into rain and storms
What is frontal rainfall
when warm moist air meets with cold air during the passing of a depression (low pressure) the warm air is forced to rise over the cool air which creates rain
What is relief/orographic rainfall
when warm, moist air meets the mountain barrier and tries to find a path around it and if not it is forced to rise. as it rises, the air will cool and some of the air will turn into rain
What is altitude
refers to height above sea level. as Air rises it cools so locations at a high altitude are colder than locations at a lower altitude
Size of a landmass
Land heats and cools more quickly than the sea. Continental and maritime climates impact the temperature of the land due to sea cooling it down
Proximity to the sea
Sea breezes coming off the ocean cool the temperature down, in winter the ocean is warmer so breezes coming off the ocean tend to warm up the atmosphere
Ocean currents
where air masses pass over warm ocean currents are warmed, while air masses passing over cold ocean currents are cooled
Wind and pressure systems
At the equator, the pressure is low, whilst the polar regions have high pressure. In between there are the sub tropical high-pressure air masses is NZ’s northerly winds which are warm. Southerly winds are cool
What are the rules to interpret weather maps
Air moves anti-clockwise in an anticyclone
Air moves clockwise in a depression
Air moves parallel to the isobars
Closely spaced isobars indicate strong winds
Widely spaced isobars indicate gentle breezes
Anticyclones bring clear skies, warm temperatures and gentle breezes
Depressions give rain, cool temperatures and stronger winds
What does a cold front mean
frequent rain, thunderstorms
What does a warm front mean
light rain, humid temp
What does a stationery front mean
cloudy, showers
What does a occluded front mean
thunderstorms
Climate change
the increasing changes in climate over a long period of time including precipitation, temperature, and wind patterns
Global warming
The rise of global temperatures due to increasing greenhouse gases which causes ice to melt and rising waters
Climate change denier
one who denies that changes in the Earths climate or weather patterns are caused by human activity
Greenhouse effect
A thin layer of greenhouse gases which sit around the earth. Radiation from the sun travels through the layer of greenhouse gases
What is El Nino
Warmer water off the coast of South America which makes NZ have more frequent winds from the west and more rain on the West with a drier Eastern side.
What is El Nina
Colder water off the coast of South America which makes NZ have more easterly winds and warmer seas on the West. It also creates more thunderstorms and cloud
What are the greenhouse gases
Carbon Dioxide
Water vapour
Methane
How often does El Nino and El Nina happen
every 2-7 years
What are the consequences of climate change
melting of glaciers and ice caps
rising sea levels
droughts
reduction of crop production
spread of disease
coral bleaching
What is the function of a thermometer
Measures the air temperature. It measures in celcius
What is the function of a barometer
measures our air pressure and tells if the pressure is rising or falling. It measures in atmospheres and bars
What is the function of a rain gauge
Measures the amount of rain that has fallen over a specific time period. Measures in millimetres
What is the function of a wind wave
An instrument that determines which direction the wind is blowing
What is the function of a anemometer
measures wind speed. Measures in km/h or m/s
What is the function of a weather map
indicates atmospheric conditions above a large portion of the earth’s surface. Meteorologists use it to forecast weather
What is the function of a hygrometer
measures the water vapour content of air, or the humidity. Measures in mm or cubic cm
What is the function of a weather balloon
measures weather conditions higher up in the atmosphere. Measures in radiosonde
What is the function of a compass
a navigational instrument for finding direction
What is the function of weather satellites
used to photograph and track large scale movements. Meterologists compile and analyse the data with the help of computers
What is the function of a wind sock
a wind sock measures wind direction but is easier to see (same as a wind wave but bigger)
