Air, Weather, and Climate

Weather

The condition of the atmosphere at a specific place and time.

Climate

The long-term average pattern of weather in an area.

Meteorology

The scientific study of weather.

Meteorologist

A scientist who studies weather.

Climatology

The study of climate and long-term atmospheric patterns.

Climatologist

A scientist who studies climate.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth.

Temperature

The measure of how hot or cold the air is.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor present in the air.

Precipitation

Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to Earth.

Air Pressure

The force exerted by the weight of air.

Wind

The movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas.

Cloud Cover

The amount of the sky covered by clouds.

Sunshine

The amount of sunlight received by an area.

Thermometer

Instrument used to measure temperature.

Hygrometer

Instrument used to measure humidity.

Barometer

Instrument used to measure air pressure.

Anemometer

Instrument used to measure wind speed.

Wind Vane

Instrument used to determine wind direction.

Rain Gauge

Instrument used to measure rainfall.

Polar Climate Zone

Climate zone with very cold temperatures year-round.

Temperate Climate Zone

Climate zone with moderate temperatures and distinct seasons.

Tropical Climate Zone

Climate zone near the equator with warm temperatures year-round.

Latitude

Distance north or south of the equator that affects climate.

Equator

Imaginary line at 0° latitude receiving the most direct sunlight.

Water Cycle

Continuous movement of water through Earth’s systems.

Evaporation

Process where liquid water changes into water vapor.

Condensation

Process where water vapor cools and becomes liquid water.

Transpiration

Release of water vapor from plants.

Precipitation Formation

Occurs when cloud droplets become too heavy and fall.

Rain

Liquid precipitation falling from clouds.

Snow

Frozen precipitation made of ice crystals.

Sleet

Frozen raindrops or partially melted snow.

Hail

Balls of ice formed in strong thunderstorms.

Clouds

Visible masses of condensed water droplets or ice crystals.

Air Mass

Large body of air with similar temperature and humidity.

Front

Boundary where two different air masses meet.

Cold Front

Boundary where cold air advances and pushes warm air upward.

Warm Front

Boundary where warm air advances over cooler air.

Ocean Currents

Large movements of ocean water that influence climate.

Monsoon

Seasonal wind pattern that brings changes in rainfall.

Habagat

Southwest monsoon that brings warm, moist air and heavy rains to the Philippines.

Amihan

Northeast monsoon that brings cooler and drier air to the Philippines.

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

Region where trade winds meet, often causing rain and storms.

Tropical Cyclone

Rotating storm system that forms over warm ocean waters.

Low Pressure Area (LPA)

Region where air pressure is lower than surrounding areas, often bringing rain.

Thunderstorm

Storm characterized by thunder, lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds.

Lightning

Sudden electrical discharge in the atmosphere.

Thunder

Sound produced by the rapid expansion of heated air from lightning.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of Earth’s climate patterns caused by natural and human factors.