Science Study Guide: Quarter 2 Patterns of Weather
1. Layers of the Atmosphere
Starting from the surface of the earth, the atmosphere consists of the following 4 layers:
Troposphere
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
2. Ozone Layer
Most of the ozone is located in the Stratosphere.
3. Definition of Altitude
Altitude refers to the height or elevation of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level.
4. Temperature Changes with Altitude
Circle the correct answers:
a) Temperature decreases as altitude increases in the thermosphere.
b) Temperature increases as altitude increases in the stratosphere.
c) Temperature decreases as altitude increases in the mesosphere.
d) Temperature decreases as altitude increases in the troposphere.
5. Weather Phenomena
Rain, hail, and fog all occur in the Troposphere.
Meteors burn up in the Mesosphere.
Satellites and auroras burn up in the Thermosphere.
Airplanes fly in the Troposphere.
6. Effect of Altitude on Air Pressure
Circle one: When you go up a mountain, the altitude increases.
Circle one: When you go up a mountain, the air pressure decreases.
7. Barometer Measurement
A barometer measures atmospheric pressure.
Circle one: When you’re at sea level, the air pressure is high.
Circle one: When you’re on top of a mountain, the air pressure is low.
8. Convection
Convection is the process by which heat is transferred in a fluid (liquid or gas) through the movement of the fluid itself.
Diagram: Draw a picture illustrating convection currents in a fluid.
9. Conduction
Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact of particles within a material.
Diagram: Draw a picture showing an example of conduction, such as a metal rod being heated at one end.
10. Solar Radiation
When we say solar radiation is emitted, it means energy is being released from a source.
Solar radiation gets emitted from:
The Sun.
The Earth itself (to a small extent).
11. Reflection of Solar Radiation
When we say solar radiation can be reflected, it means it can bounce off surfaces instead of being absorbed.
Solar radiation reflects off of:
Clouds.
Water bodies (lakes, oceans).
12. Absorption of Solar Radiation
When we say solar radiation can be absorbed, it means materials take in the radiation and convert it to other forms of energy.
Substances that absorb solar radiation include:
Land (soil, rock).
Water (oceans, rivers, lakes).
13. Heat Energy Absorption
The sun gives off heat energy and it is absorbed through the process of radiation.
14. Movement of Air
Circle the correct words:
Hot air rises and cool air sinks.
15. Weather Patterns
High pressure systems generally bring:
Clear skies and fair weather.
Low pressure systems are associated with:
Cloudy conditions and precipitations (like rain or storms).
16. Weather Fronts
After a warm front passes, the weather typically becomes:
Milder and wetter.
After a cold front passes, the weather typically becomes:
Cooler and clearer.
17. Storm Formation Locations
Thunderstorms form over:
Warm, moist air regions.
Hurricanes form over:
Warm ocean waters.
18. Temperature Range
A range in temperature refers to the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures over a certain period or area.
Example of a small range in temperature: 10°F - 15°F.
Example of a large range in temperature: 70°F - 100°F.
It is cooler near a body of water because:
Water has a larger specific heat capacity, meaning it retains heat longer and moderates temperature changes.
19. Climate Impact by Proximity to Water
If you live closer to water, you will experience more mild climate conditions than if you live further away from water.
20. Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, preventing it from escaping back into space.
The actions of humans, such as burning fossil fuels, release more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming by trapping more heat in the atmosphere than is usual.