Weather & Climate Flashcards
What are the definition of weather and climate?
Weather: condition of air over a short period of time
Climate: average weather conditions over many years
What are the common elements used to describe weather and climate?
- Air temperature 2. Wind direction 3. Wind speed 4. Air pressure(hPa)
- Precipitation 6. Relative humidity 7. Sunshine duration
What are monsoons? Which region has a monsoon climate?
- Winds that change directions seasonally, blowing from one direction in summer and from opposite direction in winter
- Wet summers ; Cool & dry winter
- South China (Hong Kong)
Describe about the summer monsoons.
- Land absorb heat from sun quickly —> air above become hot & rises —> low air pressure over land
- Water absorb heart more slowly than land —> cool air sinks —> higher air pressure over sea
- Air moves from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas ; wind: blowing onshore in SE & SW directions sea —> land
- Wind from sea is warm and wet, carry moisture & bring wet summers
Describe about the winter monsoons .
- Land loses heat quickly —> cooler —> cool air sinks —> high air pressure over land
- Water loses heat more slowly than land —> warmer —> warm air rises —> lower air pressure over sea
- Air moves from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas ; wind: blows offshore in NE & NW directions land —> sea
- The wind from land is cold & dry —> cool & dry winters
What are the extreme weather conditions? Which are more likely to happen in South China in summer?
- Very high air temperature; Very low air temperature; Heavy rainfall; strong wind
- Rainstorms & typhoons
When & Why is there rainstorm? What impact it brings & measure(s) is issued?
Rainstorm is a weather condition that brings heavy rain.
When : Summer
Why : high temperature & moist onshore monsoons bring heavy rain to South China
Impact : disrupt traffic, floods & landslides
Measures: rainstorm warning signals (Amber: >30mm/hr ; Red >50mm/hr ; Black >70mm/hr)
