Weather Flashcards
what are the 4 factors that affect weather
latitude, longitude, aspect/relief, continentality
what is latitude
the distance or rays from the sun (directed at the equator)
altitude
height
what is aspect/relief
the way/direction something faces (north/south facing)
explain Continentality
the land and sea climate conditions (how body of water affects land temp)
how does the factor latitude affects weather
further north = colder as sun rays is less concentrated as away from equator
colder in Scotland as more atmosphere for sun rays to pass through
how does the factor altitude affect weather
wind speed increases as altitude increases, less friction in higher places making area more exposed.
temp decreases 1 degrees for every 100m increase in height
how does the factor aspect/relief affect weather
in northern hemisphere the south facing slopes are warmer as they face the sun.
north facing slopes are colder as receive no sun
how does the factor Continentality affect weather
north Atlantic drift keeps Uk west coast temp warmer than the east.
further inland has greater annual range in temp as away from oceans affects
characteristics of an anicyclone
far apart isobars
gentle clockwise winds
warm (high pressure) - low cloud coverage
no fronts
anticyclones affect the weather conditions in winter with..
crisp dry conditons - good for travel
bright but no sun, frost/cold, no heat at night as quickly lost
- pipes freeze up, diifculty driving
anticyclones affect the weather conditions in summer with..
high temps, long days - increase in water demands and ice cream sales - good for holiday activities
wind is measured in what?
knots
process of a depression (pain)
as the depression approaches, temp falls as air cools, cloud coverage increases, strong wind - far apart isobars.
warm front then appears, temp increase, some cloud coverage and showers
cold front comes - cloud coverage increase, heavy precipitation due to cumulonimbus clouds, temp drops.
cold front then moves away over penzance - clear conditions and lower cloud cover with some showers. Air pressure increases again
(wind moves anticlockwise
middle front always has worst weather)
What are the 4 air masses and their directions going towards the UK
*Polar maritime - north south
Polar continental - north west
—
Tropical continental - north east
*Tropical maritime- north west
what happens as the warm front approaches?
temp falls as cool air replaces warm air, rain showers, faster wind - isobars closer together
what happens as the cold front approaches?
heavy precipitation,
moves past penzance - clearer condition, less cloud coverage
isobars then change direction from S to W
what is the warmest part of a depression?
the front
why does the warm front have more cloud coverage?
warm air of a low pressure system slides over a colder high pressure air mass. As the air rises the warm, moist air condenses, creating cloud.
what has the nicer weather a depression or an anti-cyclone?
anti-cyclone
name some negative affects of an anti-cyclone
dry, hot weather in summer. In winter, clear skies may bring cold nights and frost. In cold conditions, anticyclones may also bring fog and mi
name some negative affects of an depression
This rising air cools and condenses and helps encourage cloud formation, so the weather is often cloudy and wet.
warm front has what kind of air pressure?
low
close together isobars means..
stronger/quicker wind speeds
high air pressure - descending
low pressure - rising
high air pressure - low
low pressure - rises
what weather to anti-cyclones bring in general
Isobars are far apart so less wind as the air is falling, high pressure leads to clear skies which will bring warm temps in summer, meaning more beach tourists. In winter it will lead to freezing conditions due to lack of insulation
how does an anti-cyclone form?
An anticyclone is an area of high pressure. At the center of the anticyclone, the pressure is high, meaning its heavier and sinks to the surface, causing the air to warm/dry out. When its at the surface, the air moves away from the center in a clockwise rotation
what type of weather does the 4 air masses bring/characteristics
Tropical continental - Warm/dry = heatwaves
Artic Marintine - cold air = snow/sleet
Polar Marintine - cold = rain
Polar continental - cold/dry = snow
Tropical Marintine - warm/wet = thunderstorms
Marintine or continental over sea or land?
continental - land
marintine - ocean
