Metrology Final

I. Earth in Space and Seasons

A. Revolution – orbiting of Earth around sun

1. Perihelion – closest to sun Jan 4th

2. Aphelion – farthest July 4th

B. Direct Rays of Sun

1. Summer Solstice – 6/21, 23.5° N

2. Winter Solstice – 12/21, 23.5° S

3. Equinoxes – 3/21, 9/22 – 0° equator

C. Rotation – spinning of Earth on axis causes day and night

D. Causes of Seasons – tilt of axis, revolution revolving around sun, parallelism (tilt stays same)

II. Transfer of Energy

A. Conduction – solids, molecules collide

B. Convection – liquids and gases, less dense rises

C. Radiation – vacuum, energy travels through vacuum

III. Global Warming

A. Causes (human vs. natural) – pollution

B. Dangers – rising sea level, stronger hurricanes, droughts, extinction of species

IV. Temperature – measure of motion of molecules

A. Scales – K, C, F – Kelvin used by scientists, Celsius used outside U.S., Fahrenheit used in U.S.

B. Causes of Temp Differences – lat., alt., oceans, mountain ranges

V. Air Masses

A. Define – large volume of air having unified temp and moisture

B. Types – MT, MP, CT, CP, E, A

C. Areas of Origin – MT Gulf, CP Canada, MP N.

VI. Weather Systems

A. Highs and Lows – high clockwise, clear/dry weather; low counterclockwise, precip

B. Fronts – boundaries between air masses

C. Station Models – read it

VII. Violent Weather

(know form, where form, what time of year)

A. Thunderstorms

B. Tornadoes

C. Hurricanes

VIII. Climate – weather over extended periods of time

A. Definition

B. Koppen System – I.D. it