Weather and Climate

1. Weather and Climate Is there a Difference?

2. Another I Love Science Presentation @ 2006- All Rights Reserved Iteachbio@mac.com

3. Weather • Weather is the condition of theatmosphere at a particular time and place. • Weather is affected by 4 atmospheric factors- Heat Air Pressure Wind Moisture

4. Weather Info….. • To forecast weather scientists must collect data. • Weather satellites orbit the planet and takes pictures that are sent to radio and TV stations. • Radar sends out radio signals that are reflected from objects. • There are more than 400 weather stations across the US. • Weather maps and symbols tell us information about the weather we are having, and what kind of weather to expect.

5. Air Masses • Weather changes when a new air mass moves over an area. • An air mass is a large body of air that has a certain temperature and certain amt. of moisture. • There are 4 kinds of air masses: maritime tropical- warm, moist, ocean maritime polar- cold, moist, ocean continental tropical- hot, dry, land continental polar- cold, dry, land

6. Weather Fronts • A front is the leading edge of an air mass. • There are 4 types of fronts: Warm Front- rain and showers followed by humid weather Cold Front- violent storms, followed by fair cool weather

7. Wind • Wind is caused by a difference inair pressure. • Wind is moving air (speed + direction). • Air moves from an area of higher pressure to and area of lower pressure.

8. Climate • Climate is the general weather of an area over a long period of time. • Climate is affected by Latitude, Elevation, Topography (shape of land), distance fromwater, global winds, and ocean currents.