Weather
The current state of the atmosphere in regards to temperature
Climate
The average (general/normal) weather conditions that a region or country experiences.
Weather Station
A place where the elements of weather such as temperature
Stevenson Screen
-basically a white louvered wooden box.
Barometer
-used to measure air pressure.
Max./Min. Thermometer
-records the maximum temperature of the day and the minimum temperature of the day (diurnal range).
Humidity
the amount of water vapor in a given volume of air
Wet/Dry Bulb Thermometer (hygrometer)
-measures the humidity of the air.
Rain gauge
-are used to measure rainfall.
Wind Vane
-are used to check the direction of the wind.
Anemometer
-measures wind speed.
Cloud Cover(also known as cloudiness
cloudage or cloud amount)
Climate Graphs
show the average temperature and rainfall for a city or region over the year.
Clouds
are a collection of water droplets or ice crystals.
Cirrus
-Found high in the atmosphere
-Thin and wispy in appearance
Cirrus
Stratus
-Low level -
Cumulonimbus
-Large clouds up to 10km high and across.
Cumulus
-Fairly low clouds with bottom between 600m and 1200m
Frontal rainfall
This happens when an area of cold air and area of warm air meet. The warm is less dense so is forced over the top of the cold air. As the warm air rises it starts to cool
Relief rainfall
This happens when air runs into a mountain or hill. As the air meets the higher land it is obviously forced upwards. As it is forced up the air begins to cool
Rain shadow
A dry area found on the lee side of mountains.
Convectional rainfall
This happens when the ground warms the air above it. As the air above the surface warms it becomes light and starts to rise. As it rises it starts to cool
Air pressure
is simply the weight of air pressing down onto the surface of the earth.
ITCZ
-this is the inter-tropical convergence zone. Sailors give it the nickname the 'doldrums'.
What is the stevenson screen designed to keep?
The box is designed to contain some weather equipment like thermometers and barometers.
What is air pressure measured in
Air pressure is normally measured in millibars.
What is rainfall measured in?
Rainfall is normally measured in millimetres.
What is wind speed measured in?
Wind speed is normally measured in mph or kph
What is cloud cover measured in
oktas
How low are statrus clouds?
below 2000m and sometimes reaching ground.