Unit 1 - Physical Flashcards
What are the 4 key elements of weather?
- temperature
- air pressure
- wind
- precipitation
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather refers to short term weather conditions, but climate refers to the avg. conditions over a long period of time, usually 30 years.
What is temperature?
A measurement of how cold or warm the air is
Unit of measurement for temperature?
°C
Instrument of measurement for temperature?
Max. - min. Thermometer
Where is the thermometer kept?
In a Stevenson Screen on stilts to ensure only air temperature is being measured. It is also kept in the shade
Unit of measurement for precipitation?
mm
Is precipitation just rain? Or are there other types of precipitation?
Precipitation includes rain, snow, sleet, etc.
Instrument of measurement for precipitation?
Rain Gauge
Where is the Rain Gauge kept?
In an open area, away from shelter, often partly sunk in to the ground to avoid being knocked over.
Instrument used to measure Wind Direction?
Wind Vane
Unit of measurement for Wind direction?
The 8 compass points
How to read Wind Vane?
It points in to the wind, therefore wind direction is directly opposite to where it is pointing
What is the Beaufort Scale?
It measures wind intensity on a scale of 0-12 by considering the effects it has on the environment to estimate it’s speed. ie. Destroying buildings would be a 12
Instrument used to measure Wind Speed?
Anemometer
Unit of measurement for Wind Speed?
Knots per hour (kph)
How does the anemometer measure Wind Speed?
As the cups around the anemometer spin, a dial records the speed
What is the Air Law?
Air moves from areas of High Pressure to areas of Low Pressure
What is Air Pressure?
The weight of a column of air?
Instrument used to measure Air pressure?
Barometer
Instrument used to measure cloud cover?
Eyesight
Unit of measurement for cloud cover?
Oktas
If a symbol showing cloud cover has an X in the circle, what does this mean?
Fog
What are Cirrus Clouds?
These clouds are the highest clouds and have a wispy appearance, almost like hair. Cirrus is Latin for hair in fact