Weather in Atlantic Canada Chapter 3

Condensation Occurs when moist air rises and cools, forming clouds. Air rises because of being warmed from below (convectional condensation), meeting a colder and denser air mass (frontal condensation) or it may be blown over high ground. (orographic condensation)

Wind Wind is air that is moving from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. An area of low pressure occurs when air above a warm surface is heated and rises. An area of high pressure forms when cool air sinks towards the surface, pushing the air underneath away. High winds can develop between areas of high and low pressure.

Climate Average conditions of temperature, precipitation, humidity, air pressure and wind. Precipitation refers to rain and snow and other forms of water particles in the atmosphere Our climate is usually humid and relatively cool. Weather is the conditions of the atmosphere over a short period. Climate is weather averaged over a period of time. We have a Maritime climate!

Atlantic Maritime - a maritime climate, with temperatures moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, and large amounts of precipitation.

Air Masses Volumes of air with similar temperature and moisture conditions are air masses. Continental artic air feels cold and dry. Maritime tropical air feels warm and moist. Maritime polar air feels cool and moist. The leading edge of an air mass is called a front. Fronts bring the characteristics of the air masses that drive them and change the weather.

Ocean Currents Currents move water from place to place. There are two ocean currents that greatly affect our climate. The Gulf Stream, an ocean current originating in the gulf of Mexico, brings warmth to our waters, while warming and bringing moisture to the air masses above it. The Labrador Current brings cold to our waters while cooling and bringing moisture to the air above it. Water has a moderating effect….cooler in summer, warmer in winter.

Fog Fog occurs when water vapour forms in air with particles that are too small to fall as rain and remain suspended in slow moving air.

Meteorologist Weather expert who studies conditions in the atmosphere for the purpose of making weather forecasts. Weather radar stations are especially useful in detecting. Locating and measuring the amount of precipitation in clouds. Satellite imaging is very useful in making weather forecasts. A Radiosonde is a piece of equipment carried into the atmosphere by a small balloon in order to collect information about the upper atmosphere.

Cindy Day - Meteorologist

Discussion questions Page 41, 1. a, b and c Page 42, 1. a and b