Science Study Guide – Chapter 7
Weather and Climate
Earth’s atmosphere is mainly made up nitrogen and oxygen.
Directly above the troposphere is where the stratosphere is located.
Study the chart below:
Tool
Barometer
Hygrometer
Anemometer
Purpose
Measures air pressure
Measures humidity
Measures wind speed
Sleet and hail are types of precipitation.
In a two story house, which floor do you think would be the warmest – the
lower level or the upper level? The upper level would be the warmest
as we know that heat rises because its particles are far apart and
weigh less. Cool air particles are closer together and weigh more.
Water vapor IS water in a gas state.
The Sun is the energy source that drives the water cycle.
During the water cycle, water moves between Earth and the air.
Study the diagram below:
Water vapor rises and cools
Gas changes to liquid
Dew appears on grass
What factors do you think might cause a cumulus cloud to change into a
cumulonimbus cloud? What causes the cumulonimbus cloud to appear dark?
Cumulus clouds can change depending on how high they are in the
atmosphere, and the size and type of water droplets they contain.
As the moisture builds up in the cumulus clouds, they begin to
appear darker and thicker and become cumulonimbus clouds.
Study the diagram below:
Warm Front
Brings light, steady
rain
Warm air slides
over cold air
Layers of
clouds form
Thunder occurs when lightning heats air quickly.
When a cold air mass pushes under a warm air mass a cold front
forms.
A hurricane forms over warm ocean waters.
The local weather forecast says there will be a cold front moving through
your area tomorrow that may become a stationary front. Is it necessary to
water your garden this evening? Why? I would not water my plants this
evening. Cold fronts often bring stormy weather. If it becomes
stationery it could stay for days.
Global winds move air between the equator and the poles.
Hot and humid is the best way to describe a tropical climate.
A plain would NOT have a current.
Study the chart below:
The Mountain Effect – would be a good title for this chart.
Cloud moves up mountain
Precipitation falls
Air mass passes over
mountain and air is dry
Each side of mountain has a
different climate
In terms of latitude, where on the globe would you expect to find tropical
rain forests? Rain forests would be located near the equator because
areas near the equator are warm and rainy.