Weather hazards and extreme weather in the UK Flashcards
What is the definition of weather?
the day to day conditions of the atmosphere
What is the climate?
the average long-term weather of a place (normally taken over 30 years)
What causes the extreme weather in the UK
Weather is driven towards the UK by south-westerly prevailing winds
What is an air mass and why is it important?
An air mass is a large block of air in the atmosphere. They can be warm or cold. It is important to know where our air comes from as this is what brings the weather
Why does extreme weather occur in the UK
Because the UK is like a meeting point for several different types of weather from around the world.
What does the Tropical continental air mass bring and where does it come from?
Comes from North America and Sahara and brings hot and dry weather
What does the Arctic maritime air mass bring and where does it come from?
Comes from North pole and Arctic ocean and brings cold weather and snow in winter
What have scientists notice about why there is an increase in extreme weather hazards?
Many scientists believe that there is a trend; more energy in the air can cause more intense weather events
What is the Jet stream?
A narrow bond of very strong westerly winds encircling the earth. It migrates north to south
what is circulation stalling?
when rising temperatures in the arctic slow the set stream and it gets stuck
What causes the weather to get stuck?
higher temperatures in the Arctic, due to climate change, slow the jet stream causing prolonged weather
