Exploring Weather and Climate

What is weather?

Weather is the state of the atmosphere, describing the conditions such as temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric conditions on a day-to-day basis.

Where do most weather phenomena occur on Earth?

Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, just below the stratosphere.

How is weather different from climate?

Weather refers to day-to-day atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to the average atmospheric conditions over longer periods of time.

What drives weather?

Weather is driven by differences in air pressure, temperature, and moisture between different locations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the largest scale atmospheric circulations called?

The largest scale atmospheric circulations are called the Hadley cell, the Ferrel cell, the polar cell, and the jet stream. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where most weather phenomena occur?

troposphere Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the averaging of atmospheric conditions over longer periods of time?

climate Signup and view all the answers

What are the four largest scale atmospheric circulations called?

the Hadley cell, the Ferrel cell, the polar cell, and the jet stream Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main factors that drive weather?

air pressure, temperature, and moisture differences Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of air that create a strong temperature contrast in the atmosphere?

polar and tropical air Signup and view all the answers

What is weathering?

Weathering is the deterioration of rocks, soils, minerals, and other materials through contact with water, atmospheric gases, and biological organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Weathering occurs in situ (on-site) and involves the breakdown of materials, while erosion involves the transport of rocks and minerals to another location. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of weathering?

The two types of weathering are physical weathering and chemical weathering. Signup and view all the answers

What is physical weathering?

Physical weathering involves the breakdown of rocks and soils through mechanical effects such as heat, water, ice, or other agents. Signup and view all the answers

What is chemical weathering?

Chemical weathering involves the chemical reaction of water, atmospheric gases, and biologically produced chemicals with rocks and soils. Signup and view all the answers

What is weather modification?

Weather modification is the intentional manipulation or alteration of the weather. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common form of weather modification?

The most common form of weather modification is cloud seeding. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cloud seeding?

The purpose of cloud seeding is to increase rain or snow, usually for the purpose of increasing the local water supply. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of weather modification in warfare?

The goal of weather modification in warfare can be to prevent damaging weather or provoke damaging weather against the enemy. Signup and view all the answers

What international agreement bans weather modification in warfare?

Weather modification in warfare has been banned by the United Nations under the Environmental Modification Convention. Signup and view all the answers