Introduction to Weather - NOTES
Meteorology:
The study of Earth’s atmosphere and weather systems. Meteorologists use several instruments to record and collect weather data.
Examples of Weather Instruments:
barometer (air pressure),
anenometer (wind speed),
hygrometer (humidity).
Weather
The day-to-day changes in the atmosphere at a particular location on earth.
Example: Halifax: 10°C, some clouds, SW 13km/hr, Relative Humidity: 54%, 101.53kpa
Climate
A widespread, long-lasting and recurring conditions of the atmosphere over a region. Precipitation and Temperature are key indicators for identifying the climate of a region (this can be globally or locally – i.e. Canada’s Climate).
Cool Websites:
Weather Observer in Canada http://www.weather-in-canada-observer.com/climate-of-canada.html
Environment Canada Skywatchers http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/skywatchers/index_e.html
Climate & Weather in Canada http://www.trailcanada.com/canada/weather/
PhysicalGeography.net http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/7v.html
World Climates http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/climate.htm
Introduction to Weather - NOTES
METHODS OF HEAT TRANSFER
Heat can be transferred in three ways:
1. Conduction
Highly energetic atoms or molecules collide with less energetic atoms or molecules. All atoms remain in their own place. Only the energy moves (example: a cold frying pan, a pot on a hot plate).
What do you think this would look like? Draw a picture below.
2. Convection
Highly energetic atoms or molecules move from one place to another. Example: water in a pot on a hot plate/stove – the burner warms the pot and then warms the bottom layer of water in the pot. Water expands as it warms, becoming less dense and rises. As the warm water rises, the cooler (and less dense) water from above moves in. This cooler water becomes warm and then rises, allowing more cool water to move in and takes it place. Eventually this creates convection currents!
What do you think this would look like? Draw a picture below.
3. Radiation
Atoms or molecules emit electromagnetic waves. These waves carry energy through space and deposit it only when they interact with some form of matter. (example: radiant heat from the stove element is carrying energy to the hand and it changes back into thermal energy when it interacts wit the hand).
Introduction to Weather - NOTES
Radiometer:
What is it?
A radiometer is device used to show how heat travels by radiation.
How does it work?
Inside the radiometer there is a partial vacuum. Light is absorbed more by the black side of each blade causing the blade to move in that direction because of the added pressure – thus showing the way heat travels!
DEMO TIME! Time to see a radiometer in action! J
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