Weather And Climate Flashcards
what’s the difference between weather and climate
Weather refers to the day-to-day changes in the atmosphere. Climate refers to the average atmospheric conditions found in a given area.
What instruments are used to collect weather data
These include rain gauges, thermometers and anemometers.
Where does the data for our weather forecasts come from?
on the land - at weather stations
in the sea - weather buoys
in the air - aeroplanes and radar
from space - satellites
Which organisation puts together weather forecasts?
The met office
What does a thermometer measure
Temperature
What does a rain gauge measure
Rainfall in mm
What does a barometer measure
Air pressure
What does an anemometer measure
Wind speed
What does a weather vane measure
Wind direction
What is extreme weather
Extreme weather is any weather that is unusual or unexpected. This can be severe or unseasonal
What determines climate
Climate is determined by several factors, including latitude, altitude, continentality, and ocean currents.
How many different climate types are there
6
Describe the polar climate type
cold, dry climates found in the far north and south of the planet, such as Antarctica. Some polar regions are covered in ice and others have tundra vegetation
Describe temperate climates
climates that are not too hot or too cold, such as the UK. Higher levels of precipitation are often found closer to the sea than further inland.
Describe Mediterranean climate type
warm coastal regions between 30° and 45° north and south of the Equator, such as Italy. These climates have hot, dry seasons and milder, wetter seasons.
Describe arid climate types
dry climates common along the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, where air is usually falling, such as the Sahara desert in north Africa. Few plants can survive within deserts, but some grasses and trees grow in semi-arid regions.
Describe tropical climate types
hot and usually wet climates found along the Equator, such as the Amazon rainforest, in Brazil. Air rises here, leading to heavy rainfall. Tropical rainforests grow in tropical climates.
Describe mountain climate types
colder climates at high altitudes, which can be found anywhere on the planet, such the Andes in South America. Only small plants, such as grasses and mosses, can survive above the tree line.
What is climate change
Climate change refers to changes in the Earth’s average temperature. These changes occur naturally over time, but most scientists think that human behaviour is increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which is causing more rapid changes to the climate.
What does mitigation mean
Mitigation means reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Why are some greenhouse gasses important
Greenhouse gases help to keep the planet warm. Without them, humans would not be able to live on Earth.
What is the greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps the planet warm. Without it, humans would not be able to live on Earth.
Evidence for climate change
Tree rings , ice core samples( include tiny air bubbles containing gasses found in the atmosphere from back to 800,000 years ago , ice covers melting
How can you tell the Impacts of climate change
Increased drought
flooding of coastal and low-lying communities.
the spread of tropical diseases, like malaria, to places that are further north and south.
What is adaptation
Learning to live with climate change
What is a natural reason for changes in the earths atmosphere
Volcanic eruptions
How much have global temperatures risen in the past 300 years
1 degree
What does micro climate mean
When the climate in a small area is different to the general surroundings it’s in
What is a greenhouse gas
Greenhouse gases are gases in the earth’s atmosphere that trap heat and they act like the glass walls of a greenhouse. Without this ‘greenhouse effect
