Questions and Answers
Define the word 'weather'.
Weather includes temperature, precipitation, air pressure, wind, and clouds.
Define the word 'climate'.
Climate is the seasonal pattern of weather.
What is the climate based on?
The climate of a place is based on the average weather conditions over many years.
Describe the word temperature.
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Describe the word precipitation.
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Describe the word air pressure.
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Describe the word wind.
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Describe the word clouds.
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Give two factors that could affect climate.
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What is latitude?
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What is altitude?
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What do we call the temperature close to the sea and what does it mean?
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Describe ocean currents.
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Describe prevailing winds.
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What is a 'depression'?
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In the centre of a depression, __________ air rises. This causes low air __________.
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Why is the British Isles affected by depressions?
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What are anticyclones?
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Do anticyclones affect the British Isles?
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How would you describe the temperature of the British Isles?
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What is the climate like in Britain?
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Study Notes
Weather and Climate Definitions
- Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions including temperature, precipitation, air pressure, wind, and clouds.
- Climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area, assessing conditions month by month over the years.
Weather Components
- Temperature indicates how hot or cold the air is.
- Precipitation encompasses all forms of water falling from the atmosphere, such as rain, hail, snow, fog, and dew.
- Air Pressure measures the weight of the atmosphere; warm air creates low pressure and cool air creates high pressure.
- Wind is the result of air movement from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas, affected by pressure differences; stronger differences result in faster winds.
- Clouds consist of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.
Climate Influencing Factors
- Latitude determines how far a location is from the Equator; sun rays are directly concentrated at the Equator, resulting in warmer temperatures which gradually cool as you move away.
- Altitude measures height above sea level; higher locations are typically colder due to decreased warming from Earth's surface.
Additional Climate Concepts
- Maritime Climate characterizes areas near the sea, known for minimal temperature fluctuations; the ocean keeps coastal regions warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- Ocean Currents are significant water flows in oceans; warm currents travel from tropical regions toward poles.
- Prevailing Winds are common wind patterns; winds from tropical areas bring warmth, while polar winds introduce cool conditions. Winds that cross oceans generally bring precipitation, whereas dry land winds remain moisture-free.
Atmospheric Phenomena
- Depression refers to a low-pressure area, formed when warm, moist air meets cool, dry air. These air masses do not mix due to temperature differences.
- Anticyclones are high-pressure systems made of cool, dry air which sinks and warms, leading to clear, dry weather since clouds are often absent.
Influence on the British Isles
- The British Isles experience depressions due to the collision of warm, moist Atlantic air with cool, dry continental air, forming large systems that take days to pass.
- Anticyclones occasionally affect the region when dry air masses from Europe or North Africa move over Britain.
- The British Isles maintain a temperate maritime climate, characterized by warm, wet summers, and mild, wet winters. Weather is primarily influenced by Atlantic frontal depressions.
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Description
Test your understanding of key concepts in weather and climate with these flashcards. Learn the definitions and differences between weather, climate, and their various components. Perfect for geography students and enthusiasts alike!
