Weather and Heat Transfer

Convection

The transfer of heat energy by the motion of fluids.

Conduction

The process of heat transfer through direct contact.

Radiation

The transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves.

Weather

The current state or condition at a specific time and place caused by heat, precipitation, wind, etc.

Climate

The weather conditions occurring in a general area over a long period, found by looking at weather patterns.

Cumulus Clouds

Puffy white clouds with a flat base, which are associated with fair weather.

Cirrus Clouds

Thin, wispy clouds that form at high altitudes and are often associated with a change in weather.

Stratus Clouds

Flat grey clouds that form at low altitude and sometimes appear as fog; often associated with drizzle or snow.

Cumulonimbus Clouds

Dense, towering, vertical clouds that can produce heavy rain, hail, lightning, and tornadoes, extending from low altitudes up to the troposphere.

Air Mass

A large body of air sharing similar temperatures and moisture, which can drive weather patterns.

Meteorologist

A scientist who studies and predicts weather patterns.

Climatologist

A scientist who studies Earth’s climate systems, long-term weather climates, and climate trends.

Fog

A thick cloud of tiny water droplets in the Earth’s atmosphere near the Earth’s surface.