Weather Unit Flashcards
What is weather?
Weather is the day to day change in the state of the atmosphere at any given place and time
What are the factors that affect rainfall?
Relief (Height of the Land)
Aspect
Distance from the Sea
What are the factors that affect temperature?
Relief ( Height of the Land)
Aspect
Distance from the sea
Latitude
Explain how relief affects rainfall?
Upland areas receive more rain than lowland areas.
Explain how the aspect of the land affects rainfall?
West facing hillsides receive more rain as these slopes face the Atlantic Ocean where the moist air is coming from. Fewer clouds on leeward (east) side so less rain.
Explain how the Distance from the sea affects rainfall?
Most of the water vapour in our air has evaporated from the Atlantic Ocean. Winds reach the west coast carrying a lot of moisture therefore bringing rain. As winds move eastwards they drop their water so they bring less rain to places further east.
Explain how relief affects temperature?
everytime you gain 100m in altitude you lose 1 degree in temperature. aka Being in Inverness is warmer than being up Ben Nevis.
Explain how aspect of the land affects temperature?
places that face south are generally warmer than places that face north - this applies to the Northern Hemisphere Only, it would reverse if in the southern Hemisphere-
Explain how Distance from the sea affects temperature?
A warm ocean current called the North Atlantic Drift makes the temperature even milder, particularly in western areas. ( Warmer in winter,colder in summer)
Explain how latitude affects temperature?
Latitude affects temperature as at the equator the the sun’s rays are direct (concentrated) - hence why it is the hottest part of the planet- The further away from the equator you get the more area the sun’s rays have to heat up. ( Think about an iphone torch being shone directly down onto the table and then moved to light up something further away from you - see how the light expands-)
Describe how a long period with a Tropical Continental air mass in Summer would affect the people of the British Isles?
Tropical continental air mass will bring hot dry weather in summer which could result in Droughts.There might need to be hose-pipe bans. Grass might wither and die causing problems for livestock farmers.Ice cream sales might rise as people make the most of the sunny weather and head to the beach.Could be very hot and difficult to do Physical work outside.People will be more likely to suffer from heat stroke and sun burn.
Describe the problems which an Arctic Maritime air mass is likely to bring to Northern Scotland in Winter?
There could be heavy snowfalls which could cause roads to be blocked or cause traffic accidents due to snow and ice on main roads. Cold temperature might cause icy pavements which could be dangerous especially to the elderly. Livestock could die due to extreme conditions. Pipes in people’s homes can freeze and crack causing damage to property.
what is air pressure measured in?
Millibars
What are depressions?
Depressions are areas of low atmospheric pressure caused by rising air. The rising air causes clouds to form, typically leading to rainy weather.
What are anticyclones?
Anticyclones are areas of high atmospheric pressure, where the air is sinking. They bring dry and settled weather. (Temperature varies with the seasons)
What is it called when two air masses meet?
Front