Meteorology Quiz: Precipitation and Climate

Climate describes the long-term average weather conditions of a region, measured over a period of at least 30 years.

Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions at a specific time and location.

Temperature is a measurable property of the atmosphere that indicates how warm or cold it is. It's measured in degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin.

Tornadoes and Hurricanes are examples of extreme weather events that are characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Climate is significantly influenced by factors such as latitude, altitude, proximity to water bodies, and prevailing winds.

Water that falls from the clouds to the Earth's surface.

The most common type of precipitation, where liquid water falls from the sky.

Precipitation in the form of frozen water crystals.

A form of frozen precipitation that comes down as round balls of ice.

The degree Celsius (°C) and the degree Fahrenheit (°F) are two common units of temperature.

A measure of how much cloud cover there is in the sky.

The amount of water vapor in the air.

The amount of cloud cover is measured in eighths (1/8). For example, 3/8 cloud cover means that three-eighths of the sky is covered with clouds.

Absolute humidity refers to the actual amount of water vapor present in the air, measured in grams per cubic meter (g/m³).

Maximum humidity represents the maximum amount of water vapor that the air can hold at a specific temperature. It is also measured in grams per cubic meter (g/m³).

Relative humidity is the ratio of the actual amount of moisture (absolute humidity) in the air to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature. It is expressed as a percentage (%).

When relative humidity reaches 100%, the air is saturated with moisture, and condensation occurs, forming fog at ground level or clouds in the atmosphere.

Normal air pressure at sea level is approximately 1013 hPa (hectopascals).

Air pressure decreases as altitude increases.

When the air pressure is at or below normal air pressure, the air is considered to be at standard conditions.

Air pressure is the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on a surface. It's measured in hectopascals (hPa).

Higher altitude means less air above pushing down, resulting in lower air pressure.

A climate diagram represents the long-term average temperature and precipitation patterns of a location.

The average temperature is calculated by taking the average of daily temperatures recorded over a period of time (at least 30 years).

Daily values (dr) are individual temperature readings taken at least every six hours. They help show temperature fluctuations.

The difference in temperature between a location's warmest and coolest months.

The influence of the ocean on a region's climate, leading to milder temperatures and more consistent precipitation.

The influence of a large landmass on a region's climate, resulting in greater temperature extremes and less precipitation.

The angle at which the sun's rays strike the Earth's surface, affecting the amount of solar energy received.

A geographic area with similar climate characteristics, often defined by temperature, precipitation, and vegetation.

The higher the altitude or elevation of a place, the colder and more humid the climate tends to be.

The distribution of different climate types can be influenced by geographical features, particularly mountain ranges, which can create significant variations in climate within a relatively small area.

The side of a mountain range that faces prevailing winds (the windward side) typically receives more rainfall, leading to a wetter climate, while the opposite side (the leeward side) experiences a drier climate.

The prevailing wind direction can have a significant impact on regional climates, as winds carrying moisture from the ocean generally lead to wetter conditions, whereas winds from the land tend to produce drier climates.

The difference in climate types that run almost parallel to the meridian (longitude lines) is largely influenced by latitudinal factors, with certain climates often found along similar latitudes.