WINDSWeather and Climate Day 6

Warm Up1. Name the 4 processes that lift air.2. Air that has reached its water-vapor capacity is said

to be __________.3. Which cloud type is a term that means “rainy

cloud”?4. What clouds are associated with thunder and

lightning?

5. At what percentage is WARM air saturated? How does that change when the air cools?

Announcements• Be sure to do quiz/test corrections if needed!

• How are your museum points coming along? Prioritize, make sure you spend time with me after school if you aren’t sure what to do!

• Study Guide due on THURSDAY! (Quiz grade!)• Test on THURSDAY!

18.3 Cloud Types and Precipitation

What type of cloud is this?

18.3 Cloud Types and Precipitation

What type of cloud is this?

18.3 Cloud Types and Precipitation

What type of cloud is this?

Objectives• Today I will be able to analyze winds by:

• Explaining how wind is generated• Use wind patterns to predict local weather

Key Points• The ultimate energy source for most wind is solar radiation.• Pressure differences generate winds.• A steep gradient produces strong winds.• The Coriolis effect affects wind direction.• High-pressure systems are usually associated with

descending air, clear weather, and relatively dry conditions.• The general movement of low-pressure centers across the

United States is from west to east.• A sea breeze usually originates in the day and flows toward

land.• La Nina is associated with surface temperatures in the

eastern Pacific that are COLDER than average (this year)

Air-Pressure DemonstrationWatch the demonstration of gradients creating speed. Answer

the following questions on your warm up:

Pre-Demo:1.Which ramp setup do you think will cause the ball to roll the

fastest?Post-Demo:2. Were you right? Which ramp set up caused it to move the

fastest?

• Like the ramps, air pressure also forms gradients. Wind is air that flows down the “slopes” of air pressure gradients.

3. What air pressure conditions do you think would favor faster wind speeds? Steep or shallow gradients?

Air Pressure• Air pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the

air.• Air pressure is exerted 3-dimensions – down, up, and

sideways. The air pressure pushing down on an object exactly balances the air pressure pushing up on the object.

Factors Affecting Wind• Wind is generated by air pressure differences

• Air flows from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure.

• Air is always trying get to a place with lower pressure. • Solar radiation is the ultimate energy source for most

wind. • The sun’s rays heat the earth unevenly, creating pressure

differences in the air around us.

Wind• Three factors combine to control wind: pressure gradients,

the Coriolis effect, and friction.1. Pressure gradient:

• the amount of pressure change occurring over a given distance.• Pressure gradients generates winds

• Remember the ramp? When would be have stronger wind with a steep or gentle gradient?

• Steep pressure gradient produces strong winds.

Winds2. The Coriolis Effect• The Coriolis effect affects wind direction. Remember the Coriolis effect from oceans?

How does it affect ocean currents in the Northern Hemisphere?

It deflects them in different directions for each Hemisphere.

• In that same way, it affects wind direction!

Winds• The Coriolis Effect and how it changes wind DIRECTION

Winds3. Friction• Friction acts to slow air movement, which changes wind

direction.

Pressure Centers and WindsWeather Forecasting• Knowing that air pressure causes winds, how could that

help meteorologists predict global weather patterns?

• Scientists study pressure differences and use data to predict where wind is taking weather!

• If scientists measure decreased pressure in Henderson, how could that affect the weather?

Wind would be stronger, and it could carry a storm.

Pressure Centers and Winds

Weather and Air Pressure• Low pressure - Produces rising air in association with

cloud formation and precipitation. STORMY

• High pressure – Produces sinking air causing clear weather, and dry conditions.

• What type of weather would you expect when there is a high pressure system?

• High-pressure systems are usually associated with descending air, clear weather, and relatively dry conditions.

Pressure Centers and Winds

Global Wind Patterns• This system moves warm air toward high latitudes and cool

air toward the Equator.• Non-Rotating Earth Model

• If the earth did not rotate, air at the equator would rise and move straight towards the poles.

• Because our earth ROTATES wind patterns are broken up into three main winds:

1. Trade winds2. Westerlies3. Polar Easterlies

Pressure Centers and Winds1. Trade winds are a surface wind that blows between

the subtropical high and the equator.2. Westerlies are the dominant west-to-east motion of the

mid-latitudes.3. Polar easterlies are winds that blow from the polar

high downward from east to west. These winds are not constant like the trade winds.

The United States is most effected by Westerlies.

• Because of the Westerlies, the general movement of low-pressure centers across the United States moves from ______________ to _____________.

Warmup• What are the lines called that connect points of equal

temperature?• What are the lines called that connect points of equal

pressure?• What are the lines called that connect points of equal

elevation?• What is the map called that connects points of equal

elevation?

Regional Wind Patterns• Not all winds fall into the general patterns of Global Winds.

They can be determined on a more “regional” scale, affecting a smaller area.

1. Land and Sea Breezes• A sea breeze usually originates

during the day and flows toward land.• At night, the wind will come from the

land and blow towards the sea.

Regional Wind Patterns• Land and Sea Breezes

Remember from our OCEANS unit – WIND is one of the first things you notice when you go to the beach!If you stand facing the water at 8:00 pm would the wind hit you in the face or in the back?What about at 10:00 am?

Regional Wind Patterns

2. Valley and Mountain Breezes• In the day, the air on the mountains is heated more

intensely than air on the valley floor.

• Because this warmer air on the mountain slopes is less dense, it glides up along the slope and generates a valley breeze.

• After sunset the pattern is reversed. It is warmer on the valley floor and wind glides down.

Regional Wind Patterns• Valley and Mountain Breezes

Wind Direction• Winds are measured by speed and direction.• A prevailing wind is one that has a constant speed and

direction• In the United States, in what direction does the wind blow

low pressure systems?• From West to East across the continent.

El Niño • In recent years, our planet has had some severe weather

that has been contributed to el Niño or la Niña. • El Niño:

• El Niño is the name given to the periodic warming that occurs in the central and eastern Pacific.• This happens when the Pacific Ocean is heated more than usual.• This disrupts weather patterns globally causing EXTREME weather

patterns.• A major El Niño episode can cause flooding in many parts of the

world.• The currents, wind, and moisure can be affected by el Niño.

• THINK: What sort of effect could El Niño have on oceans? How could this impact humans?

La Niña• La Niña

• This weather condition is the opposite of el Niño:• La Niña occurs when the surface temperature in the Eastern

Pacific are COLDER than average.

• This also causes extreme weather patterns.

• This year we are experiencing La Niña – what are some weather conditions that you’ve heard about on the news that might be caused by la Niña?

Bottom Line• Global climates can be explained if knowledge of global

winds and weather systems are applied.

Check In – Use Complete Sentences1. What is the ultimate energy source for most wind?2. Which FORCE generates winds?3. A STEEP pressure gradient produces which type of

winds?4. What part of the wind does the CORIOLIS EFFECT

influence?5. What type of weather is associated with HIGH Pressure

systems? What about with LOW?6. Low Pressure centers move across the US from

___________ to _____________ direction.7. Explain the pattern of sea breezes.8. Which phenomenon is associated with surface

temperatures in the eastern Pacific that are colder than average?

Study Guide Work Time• Your study guide will be due on THURSDAY for a QUIZ

grade.

• Use this time wisely to work on the first 22 questions.

• My data shows that students who complete the study guide and turn it in on time have 80% average on their tests! Make this count!

Brownie Ticket1. What is the ultimate energy source for most wind?

a) Earth’s rotationb) Earth’s revolutionc) Solar radiationd) Tides

2. The Coriolis Effect influences wind _________.3. A sea breeze usually originates during the:

a) Evening and flows toward the landb) Day and flows toward the landc) Evening and flows toward the waterd) Day and flows toward the water

Warmup1. What are 2 weather conditions associated with HIGH

pressure systems?2. Which force generates winds:

a) The Coriolis Effectb) Gravityc) Pressure differencesd) Friction

3. Name the phenomenon that is associated with surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific that are colder than average.

Warm up1. What force generates winds?2. The Coriolis Effect influences what property of winds?3. The dominant type of global wind for the US is

_________________, and these move from _______ to _______

4. What weather conditions are associated with high pressure? Low pressure?

5. Where do sea breezes originate?

Weather FrontsObjectives

• Today I will be able to:–Describe the factors that characterize air masses

–Analyze the development of fronts when air masses meet

Weather FrontsKey Points• Air masses are characterized based on their temperature

and moisture• Air masses pick up the characteristics of the land they go

over• Ex: a cold, dry air mass that moves over warm, tropical waters will

become warmer and wetter• Fronts are boundaries that separate air masses

• Warm fronts are shown by a line with semicircles• Cold fronts are shown by a line with triangular points• Along a front, warm air is always forced upward• Along cold fronts, precipitation is generally heavy, but short-lived

Air Masses and Weather• Weather patterns result from the movement of large

bodies of air called air masses• Air masses are characterized by similar

temperatures and amounts of moisture at certain altitudes.

• When air masses move, the characteristics of the air mass change and the weather in the areas over which they move changes

Starts off at -460C

Ends up at 700C

Air Masses and Weather• Example of air mass/weather interaction:• A cold, dry air mass moves over warm, tropical

watersThe air mass becomes warmer and wetterThe weather over those waters becomes colder and

drier

You try…• A warm, dry air mass moves over a cold, wet areaThe air mass becomes ______________ and

_______The weather over that area becomes

____________ and ____________

When air masses meet… Fronts• When two air masses meet, they form a front- the

boundary that separates the two• There are 4 types of fronts

• Warm fronts• Cold fronts• Stationary fronts• Occluded fronts

Fronts•Warm fronts

• Form when warm air moves into an area formerly covered by cold air

• Shown on a weather map by a red line with semi-circles pointing toward the colder air

Warmer air

Colder air

Fronts•Warm front

Fronts

• Warm fronts• As the warmer, less dense air rises, it coolsThis produces clouds and frequent precipitation•Warm fronts move slowly, so the precipitation is light-to-moderate over a large area for a long period of time

Fronts

•Cold fronts• Form when cold, dense air moves into an area formerly occupied by warmer air

• Shown on a weather map by a blue line with triangles pointing toward the warmer air

Colder air

Warmer air

Fronts•Cold Front

Fronts•Cold Fronts

• Move much more quickly than warm fronts

• Associated with heavy precipitation that is short-lived

Fronts•Stationary Fronts

• Form when the flow of air is neither toward the cold air mass, nor toward the warm air mass

• The front does not move• Shown by blue triangles on one side and red semicircles on the other

• Gentle to moderate precipitation

Fronts•Occluded Front

• Forms when a cold front overtakes a warm front

• Complex weather patterns

Check Ins1. Air masses are characterized by what properties?2. How do the properties of the land that air masses travel

over change the air mass? Give an example of this situation.

3. What are the boundaries between air masses called? What are the four types? What type of air is always forced up?

4. Which (from #3) is associated with short-lived, heavy precipitation?

5. Draw the symbols for each type of front.

Study Guide Work Time• You have the rest of class to work on STUDY GUIDES or

BROCHURES• Use this time wisely• If you work silently for 15 min, I will let you work with a

partner

Brownie Ticket

1. A cold, dry air mass that moves over warm, tropical waters will likely become ____and _______.

2. Along which type of front is the intensity of precipitation generally heavy, but short-lived?

3. Along a front, which type of air is always forced upwards?

CLIMATES12/8/10

WARM UP

1.The distance north or south of the equator is (latitude/longitude)

2. What type of front is associated with heavy precipitation that is short lived?

3. What happens to a cold, dry air mass that moves over warm, tropical waters?

Objectives

•Today I will be able to…•Analyze the factors that affect climate

•Describe the different world climates

•Relate human activity to climate changes

Key Points• The higher the elevation, the colder the climate• The temperature of a body of water will influence the

temperature of the air above it• Global winds distribute heat and moisture around Earth• Vegetation affects climate by affecting temperature,

precipitation, and cloud formation• Dry climates have rates of evaporation that exceed rates of

precipitation• When air sinks it compresses and warms• Volcanic eruptions can cause short-term changes in

climate

Factors that Affect Climate• Brainstorm: list at least 5 things that could affect the

climate of a region• When examining factors affecting climate we look at

things that affect the two most important elements of climate- temperature and precipitation

• The 6 main factors that affect climate are:1. Latitude2. Elevation3. Topography4. Water bodies5. Global wind6. Vegetation

Factors that Affect Climate• Latitude

• As you travel farther from the equator, the intensity of the sunlight decreases

• This means that: As latitude increases, temperature decreases.

Factors that Affect Climate• Elevation

• The higher the elevation is, the colder the climate

• Topography• Features like mountains play an

important role in determining the amount of precipitation an area receives

Factors that Affect Climate• Water bodies

• Large bodies of water such as lakes and oceans have an important effect on the temperature of an area because the temperature of the water body influences the temperature of the air above it.

• Coastal cities have cooler summers and more mild winters than inland cities

• WHY?

Factors that Affect Climate• Global winds

• distribute heat and moisture around Earth.• Vegetation can affect both temperature and the

precipitation patterns in an area. • Vegetation influences how much of the sun’s energy is absorbed

and how quickly this energy is released- this affects temperature• Transpiration: plants release water vapor from their leaves into the

air, so this affects precipitation• Some plants release particles that can act as “cloud seeds”• Bottom line: vegetation can affect climate by affecting

temperature, precipitation, and cloud formation

CHECK IN QUESTIONS• 1. What is the relationship between elevation and climate• 2. The temperature of a body of water influences

_____________.• 3. What force is responsible for the distribution of heat

and moisture around Earth?• 4. What 3 climate elements can be affected by

vegetation?

World Climates The Köppen climate classification system uses

mean monthly and annual values of temperature and precipitation to classify climates. Humid tropical climates are without winters Wet Tropical climates have high temperatures and

lots of annual precipitation Climates with mild winters have an average

temperature in the coldest month that is below 18oC but above -3oC.

Climates with severe winters have an average temperature in the coldest month that is below -3oC.

World Climates A dry climate is one in which the yearly precipitation is not

as great as the potential loss of water by evaporation. In a desert, wind creates the most erosion. Erosion is a problem because there is no vegetation to hold

the soil in place. Polar climates are those in which the mean temperature of the

warmest month is below 10oC A glacier is formed when more snow falls than melts.

Natural Processes that Change Climates

• SHORT TERM CHANGES• Volcanic eruptions

• The presence of volcanic aerosols (ash, dust, and sulfur-based aerosols) in the air increases the amount of solar radiation that is reflected back into space. This causes Earth’s lower atmosphere to cool.

• Ocean circulation• Changes in ocean circulation also can result in short-term

climate fluctuations.

Natural Processes that Change Climates

• LONG TERM CHANGES• Earth’s motions

• Changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit and the tilt of Earth on its axis are Earth motions that affect global climates long term.

Human Impact on Climate• The Greenhouse Effect

• The greenhouse effect is a natural warming of both Earth’s lower atmosphere and Earth’s surface from solar radiation being absorbed and emitted by the atmosphere.

• Global Warming• As a result of increased levels of carbon dioxide and other

greenhouse gases, global temperatures have increased. This increase is called global warming.

Check in• In complete sentences, answer the following…5. How does volcanic ash in the Earth’s atmosphere affect solar radiation and global temperature

6. How would changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit change the climate?

7. Describe a dry climate.

Brownie Ticket1. Heat and moisture are distributed around Earth by ___.

a. Precipitation b. global windsc. rain shadows d. vegetation patterns

2. Which of the following may cause long-term changes in climate?

a) Volcanic eruptionsb) Changes in the shape of earth’s orbitc) Changes in ocean circulationd) Changes in solar output

3. Describe the relationship between vegetation and climate

Warm up 12/91. What is Relative Humidity?2. Describe autumnal and spring equinoxes3. Land heats and cools more _____ than water4. Describe the greenhouse effect5. Which of the following is NOT true of the relationship

between vegetation and climate:a) Vegetation influences ocean currentsb) Vegetation influences cloud formationc) Vegetation influences rates of solar absorptiond) Vegetation influences regional precipitation patterns

Review• Use this time wisely

TEST• EVERYthing off of your desk except:

• Pencil• Your study guide (I’m coming to collect it!)

• #37 – the answer is b.

Article Report• When you finish, please do your article report. This will be

due FRIDAY (aka tomorrow)

Warm Up 12/10• Use your notes from Unit 4 (Geologic Time) or your books

(pgs 343 – 346, and 365) to answer the following questions:1. In what type of rocks would you most likely find fossils?2. What are fossils?3. The footprint of a dinosaur is an example of what type of

fossil?4. During which era did dinosaurs live? (pg 365)On a separate piece of paper:5. Write at least 2 questions about dinosaurs or rocks for

Dr. Britt to answer later on today.

Announcements• Test Grades• Article Reports are DUE!• Warm Ups week 15 are DUE!

• Vocabulary for next week is posted. See me if you need a copy of the words.

No Warm Up• Turn in Study Guides

• Testing will begin as bell rings.

About Dr. Britt• Earned a Bachelors degree in Geology• Earned a Masters degree in Geology• Earned a PhD (Doctorate) in Paleontology

• Today he will be talking to you about DINOSAURS!

• While he talks, be listening for the answers on your notes page. Read through them NOW so you know what to listen for.

Brochure Work Time• Use your books, notes, and any other resource to create

your brochures.

• This time is valuable. If you are not working I will make something due before you leave today!

Brownie Ticket1. Why are dinosaurs usually found in deserts?2. What does the word “reconstructed” mean?

a) Dig up the bonesb) The position in which the dinosaur diedc) To put dinosaur bones back togetherd) To identify the environment the dinosaur lived in

3. How do paleontologists find fossils?