All About WeatherFor Kids

By: MacLean Bowie,Tanya Kiatsuranon,Libby Hurt

Weather takes place in the atmosphere. There are four layers of the atmosphere the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and then the thermosphere. They are in that order. Most weather takes place in the stratosphere from ten to twenty-five kilometers up. Some weather like wind can be in many layers of the atmosphere. Traveling from high to low air pressure. The thermosphere stops meteorites from hitting Earth and the stratosphere intercepts harmful infrared and ultraviolet light.

ConvectionConvection is the transfer of heat and energy in gases and liquids through their molecule movements. Solid's molecules are too tightly packed for them to move around. Convection is involved in the condensation phase of the water cycle. When upward flowing currents form clouds.

Wind Currents

Wind currents are currents in the open sea caused by wind. If the current is in the northern hemisphere than it will head to the right of the way the wind is blowing. If the wind is blowing in the southern hemisphere than it will head to the left of the way the wind is blowing.

Ocean Currents

Ocean currents are caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the moon or sun. Although the sun is much bigger the mooner has a bigger impact because of the distance. The Earth's rotation also plays a large part in tides, controlling whether it is high or low tide. The winds have very little impact of tides.

Pressure

Low pressure is an area where the atmosphere pressure is lower than the area around it.This usually happens with high winds, and warm air. Precipitation occurs in low pressured areas. High pressure is the opposite low winds and cold air.

L=Low H=High

Fronts

Fronts are the boundary between two air masses different temperature and humidity. This causes precipitation.There are many fronts like, warm/cold fronts, and occluded fronts.

Warm Front Cold Front Occluded Front

Types of Fronts

Cold Front- A cold front happens when a cold air mass replaces a warm air mass.Warm Front- When warm air mass passes over the cold air mass, and the air starts to cool.Occluded Front- A occluded front happens when a warm front is taken over by a cold front and an air mass is forced up.

Hurricanes

A hurricane is a storm with violent winds. Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters. Sometimes they strike land. When a hurricane reaches land, it pushes a wall of ocean water ashore. This wall of water is called a storm surge. Heavy rain and storm surge from a hurricane can cause flooding.

TornadosA tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of up to 300 mph.They can destroy large buildings, uproot trees and hurl vehicles hundreds of yards. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide to 50 miles long. In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported nationwide.

The Sun

The sun is the center of our solar system. Most planets revolve and receive light from it. The sun is a medium star. It is about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) away from earth. The sun has a diameter of 864,000 miles (1.4 million kilometers). The Earth's mass multiplied by 330,000, would be equal to the mass of the sun.

The Sun's Energy

The energy coming from the sun to the Earth's surface is called solar energy. In the form of electromagnetic waves this energy is then transmitted from the nucleus towards the surface of the Sun and further on in the surrounding space. The Sun's energy is generated in its core.

Weather Maps & Symbols

A weather map is a picture of a forecast.Meteorologist use them to show theweather of certainplaces to people.There are many symbols for weather maps. Weather maps are used in the news when a meteorologist is telling the weather.

Weather Maps & Symbols

Weather Maps & Symbols

Weather forecasting is a prediction of what the weather will be like in an hour, tomorrow, or next week. Weather forecasting involves a combination of computer models, observations, and a knowledge of trends and patterns. By using these methods, reasonable accurate forecasts can be made up to seven days in advance.

Isotherm and Isobar

Isotherm is a line on a map that connects points that have

the same temperature at a certain time or average over a

period of time. This can also be known as a curve in the

diagram that represents equal temperature.

The isobar is different than the Isotherm

This has a line on the map that connects the

points that have the same atmospheric pressure. It's a curve

in the diagram that represents constant pressure.

Types of Precipitation

Snow ~ Ice crystals that forms into

flakes. This forms at temperatures

below freezing. (32 degrees fahrenheit) )

Freezing Rain ~ Liquid precipitation that reaches the surface greater than 0.5 (1/2) millimeters. These drops then freeze on earth. Sleet ~ Frozen raindrops that strike the earth's surface. This is a little above freezing and some of the snow melts of earth.

Rain ~ Liquid precipitation that reaches the surface in forms of droplets.

Types of Clouds

There are 4 different types of clouds, the Cirrus, Stratus,

Cumulus, and Cumulonimbus

The cirrus cloud ~ These have high altitudes, and are

composed of mostly ice crystals. These are thin and feather like.

They come out when the weather is mild and stable.

Stratus Clouds ~ These are the lowest of the low altitude

clouds. These are made up of water drops. They come out when

the sky is overcast.

Cumulus Clouds ~ These are lower and composed of water

drops. They can be made into icicles when the weather is cold.

They are puffy white clouds and travel in packs.

Cumulonimbus Clouds ~ The highest of all clouds in the

atmosphere, they can form thunder, heavy winds and rain,

tornados, and lightning.

Dew Point

~Dew point is the temperature below where water droplets begin to condense and dew will be able to form.

How Scientists get Images

Scientists get images of earth using

satellite images, to get pictures of the earth

and keep update once in a while to be able

to predict upcoming weather conditions.

Meteorological Instruments used by scientists

Barometer ~ This measures atmospheric

pressure

Anemometer ~ This measures velocity or air

pressure

Wind Vane ~ Shows the direction of wind

Rain Gauge ~ Gather and measure the

amount of liquid precipitation

Thermometer ~ This measures temperature

Ceilometers ~ Measures the base of the cloud

height

Who Did What

MacLean: Vocab 1-5 (Plus I made this slide) Slides: 2-5 and a portion of 6 Libby: Vocab 6-11Slides: 7- 15 and the other portion of 6Tanya: Vocab 12-17Slides: 16 - 21