weather and climate

Weather and Climate

  • Weather: Conditions of the atmosphere at a particular place and time.

  • Climate: Average conditions over a long period of time in a specific place.

Atmospheric Layers

  • Troposphere: Where weather occurs, extending up to 20 km.

  • Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer, important for protecting the Earth.

Weather Forecasting

  • Tools for forecasting include:

    • Satellite Images: Capture wide-ranging atmospheric data.

    • Radar Images: Used for tracking precipitation and storm systems.

Factors Affecting Weather

  • Temperature: Degree of hotness or coldness.

  • Air Pressure: The force applied by the weight of air.

  • Precipitation: Any water (rain, snow, sleet, etc.) that falls from the atmosphere.

  • Humidity: Amount of water vapor in the air.

  • Wind: Movement of air caused by pressure differences.

Precipitation Process

  1. Surface heating causes evaporation.

  2. Warm air rises and cools, leading to condensation.

  3. Water droplets form and fall as precipitation.

Weather Instruments

  • Barometer: Measures atmospheric pressure.

  • Anemometer: Measures wind speed.

  • Hygrometer: Measures humidity.

  • Rain Gauge: Measures precipitation.

Climate Factors

  1. Temperature: Affected by latitude and altitude.

  2. Ocean Currents: Influence coastal climates.

  3. Distance from Bodies of Water: Large bodies of water moderate temperature.

  4. Mountain Barriers: Create rain shadows, affecting local climate.

Latitude Impact

  • Low Latitude: Warm to hot.

  • Middle Latitude: Seasonal variations.

  • High Latitude: Cool to cold climates.

Altitude Influence

  • Higher altitudes mean cooler temperatures and climatic variation based on elevation changes.

Ocean Currents

  • Warm currents lead to moist climates; cold currents lead to dry climates.

Bodies of Water

  • Moderates climate; land heats and cools faster than water.

Wind Patterns

  • Prevailing Winds: Drive atmospheric circulation, affecting local climates.

Climate of the Philippines

  • Types:

    • Modified tropical with dry and wet seasons.

    • Maximum rainfall between December and February.

    • Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year in certain areas.

Rainfall Patterns

  • Varies by type of climate, impacting seasonal activities.