Weather and Climate

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to weather and climate concepts discussed in the lecture notes.

Atmosphere

The envelope/layer of gases surrounding the earth.

Weather

The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time regarding conditions like heat, cloudiness, humidity, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.

Climate

The average weather conditions prevailing in an area over a long period.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor in a given volume of air.

Precipitation

Any water that falls to earth, including hail, mist, rain, sleet, or snow.

Barometer

An instrument used to measure air pressure.

Anemometer

An instrument for measuring wind speed.

Hygrometer

An instrument used to measure the moisture content in the air.

Stevenson Screen

A wooden box that houses meteorological instruments, designed to shelter them from direct heat and sunlight.

Isoline Map

A map that connects points of equal value, such as temperature or rainfall, using lines.

Synoptic Chart

A weather map that displays meteorological features such as high and low pressure systems, wind speed, and weather fronts.

Isohyets

Lines on a map connecting points of equal rainfall.

Isotherms

Lines on a map connecting points of equal temperature.

Isobars

Lines on a map connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure.

Relative Humidity

A measure of how much water vapor the air is holding relative to the maximum amount it could hold at that temperature.

Maximin Thermometer

An instrument that records the highest temperature reached in a given time.

Campbell-Stokes Recorder

An instrument used to measure the amount of sunshine hours received at a location.

Aneroid Barometer

A barometer that measures air pressure using a sealed metal chamber.

Awareness of Weather Elements

Knowledge of how weather conditions and measurements affect daily life and activities.