Weather and Climate

A Course for S1

Weather Elements

1. Temperature2. Precipitation3. Wind Speed4. Wind Direction5. Cloud Cover6. Cloud Type7. Visibility8. Air Pressure

How do we measure the weather ?

Temperature

Precipitation

Air Pressure

Wind Speed

Wind Direction

Cloud Type

Cloud Cover

Visibility

Max & Min. Thermometer Rain Gauge

Barometer

Anemometer

Wind Vane

Observation

Observation

Observation

The Stevenson Screen

Characteristics– It is white– It has slatted

sides– It has a double

roof– It is on stilts– Its door opens

northwards

Name all of the following instruments

What type of cloud is this ?

Found at high altitudes - CIRRUS

What type of cloud is this ?

They rise to very great heights and are associated with thunderstorms - CUMULONIMBUS

What type of cloud is this ?

Often known as fair-weather clouds - CUMULUS

What type of cloud is this ?

Fog-like cloud near the ground - STRATUS.

An interesting website

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/gcsebitesize/geography/weather_and_climate/elements_of_weather_rev.shtml#cloud

What is the difference between weather and climate ?

WEATHER is about day to day

changes in the atmosphere. It

includes changes in temperature,

rainfall, sunshine & wind)

CLIMATEis the average or typical weather of a place worked out over a long period

of time.

We know that in Britain it gets cold in the winter and warm in the summer. This is climate. But we don't know if it is going to be warm tomorrow or not. This is the weather.

Microclimate

Differences in TEMPERATURE are due to :Hills - make the climate cooler

Trees - also make the climate cooler

Water - also cools down the surrounding area

Type of Surface - a dark surface is warmer than a light surface

Buildings - may give off heat

Aspect - south-facing slopes are warmer - WHY ?

Microclimate (continued)Differences in wind speed are

affected by :Hills - hilltops are windierWater areas - produce more windBuildings - generally reduce wind

speed but can channel winds and increase their speed

Trees, hedges and walls - reduce wind speed over a short distance

United Kingdom – Rainfall Figures

Look at the map of rainfall

figures for the UnitedKingdom

1. Which area is the wettest ?

2. Which area is the driest ?

                            

      

United Kingdom – January Temperatures1. Where are the

temperatures warmest ?

2. Where are the temperatures coldest ?

                                  

United Kingdom – July Temperatures1. Where are the

temperatures warmest ?

2. Where are the temperatures coldest ?

3. How does the pattern differ from January ?

                                  

Relief Rainfall Stage 1.

Warm wet air is forced to rise over high land.

Stage 2.As the air rises it cools and condenses. Clouds form and precipitation occurs.

Stage 3.The drier air descends and warms.

Stage 4.

Any moisture in the air (e.g. cloud) evaporates.