Weather & Climate Weather Maps

Weather and Climate Weather is the state of the atmosphere at any one place or time. This includes: humidity, temperature, sunshine hours, cloud cover, precipitation (any moisture reaching the earth’s surface). This includes rain, sleet, snow, hail, dew and frost. Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3MKsTLnTKc Climate is the average or long term weather conditions of a region. It is the result of years of research into data. 1. What is the difference between weather and climate?

Weather or Climate Climate Weather Hot and dry conditions, together with strong winds, led to Bushfires near Wagga. At this time of year Darwin usually experiences hot and wet weather. The maximum temperature in Moscow today is -23oC On Monday night a southerly change arrived about 10:30pm

Weather or Climate Tully in Queensland is Australia’s wettest town. September was chosen for the 2000 Olympics because that month usually has the best weather. On New Year’s Day the temperature in Sydney was 45oC Sydney receives more rain per year than London

Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/ http://www.aus-emaps.com/severe_weather.php

Atmospheric pressure Atmospheric pressure or barometric pressure is the pressure exerted by the weight of the air on the earth’s surface. Atmospheric pressure is measured in hectopascals (hPa). Atmospheric pressure is mapped to form isobars. http://www.juicygeography.co.uk/animations.htm#downloads/flash/highpressure.swf A line on a Synoptic Chart that joins places of equal barometric or atmospheric pressure is called? The unit of measurement of atmospheric pressure is termed? What is the abbreviation for this unit of atmospheric pressure?

Isobars Are lines on a synoptic chart joining places of equal atmospheric pressure. To estimate atmospheric pressure you need to refer to the two nearest isobars. e.g. if point “A” is situated half way between 1020 hPa and 1024 hPa, “A” would be > 1020 but < 1024 hPa.

Atmospheric Pressure readings How do they get the land and sea readings? What do all these dots form when they are linked?

Isobars How do you work out which are high pressure cells and which are low pressure cells? An isobar is a line on a map joining places of equal atmospheric pressure High Pressure occurs when the barometric reading is usually above 1010 hectopascals Low Pressure occurs when the barometric reading is usually below 1010 hectopascals.

Synoptic Charts Synoptic charts or weather maps provide a snapshot of the weather experienced at a particular place at a certain time. They show information relating to air pressure, air masses and fronts, cloud cover, wind speed, wind direction and rainfall. This information allows us to make predictions relating to temperature, humidity, ocean conditions and the likely weather for the next few days. What are Synoptic Charts? Give six examples of the information shown by Synoptic Charts. List two groups of people you think that would benefit from using the information contained in Synoptic Charts.

Synoptic Charts Synoptic Charts What does the shading refer to? What is the wind speed and direction? Identify the type of pressure system over Perth. What type of weather can Perth expect today? Why is Adelaide likely to have fine, settled weather? What is the wind speed and direction at Townsville? The shading on the map, in the Northern Territory, refers to what? Estimate the barometric pressure, north east of Hobart – where the pink arrow indicates. What is this feature? What is the air pressure?

Pressure cells - are defined by the patterns formed by isobars. Are these high pressure cell s or a low pressure cells? How can you tell? As you move your over the isobars between Alice Springs and Brisbane, what happens to the size of the numbers as you move to the centre of this pressure system? (move from 1006 hPa to 998 hPa) As you move your eyes over the isobars from north – west of Hobart to Perth, what happens to the air pressure readings? (998 hPa to 1012 hPa)

High pressure cells (anticyclones) occur where atmospheric pressure increases towards the centre of the system. High pressure systems are characterised by light winds, clear skies, dry weather and a high diurnal (daily) temperature range. A ridge is an extension of high pressure from a high pressure system. http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/national/charts/synoptic.shtml List three features of weather associated with High Pressure systems. The term ‘diurnal means?

High pressure cells Why does the air descend? Why does the air descend in high pressure systems? 2. True or false – air moves from high to low pressure? Why does the air descend? Why does the air moves outwards?

Typical weather associated with High pressure light winds clear skies, dry weather higher diurnal (daily) temperature range i.e. hot days (sun rays maximum effect) cool nights (because of lack of cloud cover). Frosts are likely in winter. 1. What does the word ‘diurnal’ mean? 2. Why are the nights likely to be cool?

Highs can bring rain from onshore warm waters

Low pressure cells (cyclones or depressions) occur where atmospheric pressure decreases towards the centre of the system. Low pressure systems are associated with stronger winds, cloudy skies, rain a lower diurnal temperature range. A trough is an extension of low pressure from a low pressure system. True or False – atmospheric pressure decreases towards the centre in low pressure cells. True or False – Strong winds, cloudy skies and rain are associated with low pressure cells. True or False – an extension of low pressure is known as a trough.

Low pressure cells Why does the air rise? Ascending air Why does the air rise? Why does the air moves inwards?

Typical weather associated with Low pressure strong winds, cloudy skies, rain and a lower diurnal (daily) temperature range i.e. mild temperatures (sun does not have maximum effect because of cloud cover, heat trapped in at night). Frosts are unlikely. 1. Why are frosts unlikely with low pressure systems?

http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/Students_Teachers/pressure.shtml http://www.bom.gov.au/lam/Students_Teachers/Worksheet23.shtml

Tropical cyclones (T.C.) Are a very intense low pressure system. They generate very strong winds, produce rough seas and heavy rains Wide spread damage occurs if they make landfall (contact with land).

A cross section of a Tropical Cyclone What is the relationship between wind speed and the direction of the cyclone? What happens to wind speed after the cyclone has passed?

Cyclone Larry 2006

What is wind? Wind is the movement of air masses (common bodies of air) from high pressure areas (highs) to low pressure areas (lows). The effect of this movement of air is to rebalance the pressure in the atmosphere. Note that: the greater the difference between the high and the low pressure, the greater the wind speed will be, and the closer together the isobars are on the weather map, the stronger the winds will be.

Wind speed is determined by the closeness of the isobars. The closer the isobars the stronger the winds. A steep pressure gradient exists where isobars are close together. If isobars are far apart a place will generally experience light winds. This is called a slight pressure gradient. If the isobars are closer together, what happens to wind speed? If the isobars are further apart, what happens to the speed of the wind?

Note the closeness of the isobars Note the spaced isobars Note the closeness of the isobars

Reading Wind Direction on a Weather Map Not where its going too x Sydney Easterly √ (Remember that we name our wind direction on where the wind came from) N Close up of a map

How to Read Wind Speed on a Weather map To work out the wind speed of an area, all you need to do is match up the wind speed symbol found on the map with the symbol found in the key A The wind speed at point A is 5 km/hr Legend- Wind Speed 30 km/hr 5 km/hr 10 km/hr Calm 20 km/hr

Wind direction Wind is named according to the direction the wind is coming from, e.g. south = southerly. Wind direction is largely determined by the location of pressure systems.  1. What is the golden rule to remember with wind direction?

Wind direction Remember we always refer to where the wind is coming from! Where has the wind come from? 1 2 With number 1, where is the wind coming from? In what direction is the wind coming from on this occasion?

Wind Direction – Anticyclones (High Pressure cells) In the southern hemisphere winds blow outwards in an anticlockwise direction from areas of high pressure. ANTICYCLONE = ANTICLOCKWISE WINDS. In what way do the winds in the southern hemisphere blow around high pressure systems? If winds blow anticlockwise in high pressure systems in the southern hemisphere, in what direction do winds blow in low pressure systems in the same hemisphere?

Wind blows outwards in an anticlockwise direction in areas of high pressure. ANTICYCLONE = ANTICLOCKWISE WINDS.

Wind Direction – Depressions (Low pressure cells) In the southern hemisphere winds associated with low pressure systems blow in a clockwise direction towards the centre of the system.  LOW T. C. = CYCLONE = CLOCKWISE WINDS. In the southern hemisphere, in what direction do winds in a low pressure system blow?

Winds blow towards the centre of a low pressure system and in a clockwise direction LOW P. C. = CYCLONE = CLOCKWISE WINDS.

Wind indicators Wind indicators show wind speed and direction. The feather indicates wind speed The shaft indicates the direction from which the wind is coming The black dot is the place that is experiencing the windy conditions

Identifying wind direction First - Identify the type of pressure system. Southern Hemisphere LOW =clockwise HIGH = anticlockwise. (the reverse is true in the northern hemisphere) Wind, generally speaking, moves across the isobars

FRONTS A front is the leading edge of change. They are the border zone between warm and cold air. There are two types of fronts: Warm fronts occur when warm air is pushed into a cold air mass. These are very rare in Australia. They result in drizzle and light rain over a few days. What is a front? Name the two types of fronts – look at the next slide to help you answer this question

A warm front Identify the type of cloud that is bringing rain to the Earth’s surface. Name the highest cloud type shown on this slide.

Cold fronts are far more common in Australia and occur when cold air is pushed into a warm air mass. This forces the warm air to rise causing a number of changes: (a) Decrease in temperature: cold air replaces warm air. (b) Change in wind direction and sometimes speed. (c) Build up of cumulonimbus or rain bearing clouds. (d) Increase in humidity: corresponding to a build up of clouds. (e) Probability of rain. Make up an acronym to remember these changes.

A cold front

Temperature and humidity: are related to the wind. Winds pick up the characteristics of where they form – sea or land – these are called source regions Remember: Winds off the land are generally hotter and drier. Winds off the sea tend to be cooler and wetter (greater moisture = greater humidity).

Humidity Humidity is the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere A high humidity means there is a lot of water vapour, and a low humidity means a little. The humidity level varies with temperature. The warmer air is, the more moisture the air can hold as vapour. The colder the air is, the less moisture the air can hold. Humidity is measured as a percentage, relative to the saturation point where the air can hold no more water vapour (i.e. 100 percent humidity).

Types of rainfall: Convection http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkgThul2El8 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/weather/elementsofweatherrev6.shtml Types of rainfall: Convection

Types of rainfall: Orographic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVykQfRC_aI http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/weather/elementsofweatherrev6.shtml http://www.radioblogclub.com/open/51998/elevation_u2/U2_-_Elevation Types of rainfall: Orographic Would the following be a correct definition for Orographic Rain? The rain that results from air being forced to rise over a mountain barrier. If yes, explain why this definition is correct. Why is there relatively little rain after the air has been forced to rise over the mountain range?

Orographic Rainfall The air mass is forced to rise as it hits the mountain and condenses into clouds The air mass, now drier, flows down the leeward side of the mountains Warm moist air approaches a mountain barrier Orographic rainfall occurs on the windward side of the mountains The dry air mass becomes warmer, with little chance of rain. Deserts are often found on the leeward side of large mountain ranges

Types of rainfall: Frontal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D88dYNFyBq8 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/weather/elementsofweatherrev6.shtml Types of rainfall: Frontal

Flash video on types of rainfall Show Weather Rainfall wmv http://blip.tv/scripts/flash/blipplayer.swf?autoStart=false&file=http://blip.tv/file/get/Gatm-Rainfall922.flv?source=3

Seasons are determined by the location of various pressure systems. Remember:  Summer = Lows over Northern Australia and Highs over Southern Australia. Winter = Highs over Northern Australia and Lows over Southern Australia. Over which part of Australia do low pressure systems occur during Summer? High Pressure systems occur over which part of Australia during Summer? Low pressure systems occur during which season over Southern Australia? What type of pressure system occurs during Winter over Northern Australia?

Summer weather map Where are the different cells located? 1. How can you prove that this synoptic chart is characteristic of a Summer Weather pattern? Where are the different cells located?

Winter weather map Where are the different cells located? 1. Why is this synoptic chart characteristic of a southern hemisphere winter? Where are the different cells located?

Clear skies allow the sun’s rays to have maximum effect Clear skies allow the sun’s rays to have maximum effect. Daytime temperatures are usually high. At night, clear skies allow heat to be lost causing temperatures to fall. In winter frosts are likely. Why are daytime temperatures usually high with high pressure systems? Why are temperatures at night likely to be colder?

Why Do Climates Vary?

Factors Affecting The Climate What makes a certain place hot, cold, wet, dry, windy…?

Your Ideas On the A4 paper provided and working in pairs: Quickly sketch as many ideas as you can as what might cause temperature and rainfall to be different at various places. You have 3 minutes

World Pattern of Climate The climate of a particular place on the earth’s surface depends on 5 main factors. Latitude: radiation from the sun is stronger and more direct at the equator. Places at the equator are therefore generally hotter than the places near the poles. Also seasonal differences are more obvious away from the equator.

Latitude http://people. cas. sc The sun’s rays are concentrated at the equator but spread out at the poles.

Altitude (elevation): The air is generally thinner and therefore colder higher up in the mountains than it is at sea level. Also precipitation (rainfall and snowfall) is generally affected by mountain ranges as moist air will be forced to rise over the mountains (orographic rainfall). This will cause the air to cool and then condense into cloud.

Distance from the sea: The ocean acts as a stabilising influence on temperatures as the sea heats and cools more slowly than the land. Thus diurnal (daily) and annual (yearly) ranges of temperature are smaller near the coast and greater in inland areas. This means that inland areas generally have hotter summers and colder winters than coastal areas. Also moist air near the coast may result in more rainfall in coastal areas than places inland.

Distance from the Sea In the summer, the sun heats the land quickly but it takes longer to heat up the water which is large and deep. http://people.cas.sc.edu/carbone/modules/mods4car/ccontrol/controls/landwater1.html However, the water stores heat for longer and so in winter, the temperature of the sea is warmer relative to the land and so keeps coastal places warmer.

Ocean Currents: Cold ocean currents cool the air and generally cause dry conditions along the coastline. Warm ocean currents will warm the air and cause warmer, wetter conditions. http://people.cas.sc.edu/carbone/modules/mods4car/ccontrol/controls/ocean.html

Prevailing Winds These are the winds that blow most often. Winds can affect temperature and precipitation. Winds blowing over tropical oceans bring warm and wet weather. Winds blowing from the poles and over land bring cold and dry weather.

Factors Affecting Temperature Add the Title Factors Affecting Temperature Latitude Length of Day & Night Seasonal Differences Elevation Draw up this table using a full page Draw simple annotated sketches describing each factor

Mt Cotopaxi Ecuador's second highest mountain

Factors Affecting Temperature and Rainfall Mountain Barriers Distance From The Sea Ocean Currents Prevailing Winds

Worldwide Climate stats http://www.worldreviewer.com/world-weather/

The Seasons Seasons are created by the combination of the earths tilt and its orbit around the sun. The distance between the earth and sun is about 149 million kms. The earth rotates around the sun in an elliptical, or oval shaped path and takes about 365 days or 1 year to complete an orbit.

The earth also rotates in an anti-clockwise direction about its north-south axis, an imaginary line that runs between the poles. It takes 24 hours for the earth to spin around once, and this rotation creates day and night. When one half of the world is in darkness, the other is in daylight.

The earth is also tilted about 23. 5 degrees on its axis The earth is also tilted about 23.5 degrees on its axis. So, depending on the time of year, certain latitudes of the earth incline toward the sun more than others. Throughout the year different areas, particularly those that are far from the equator, receive more or less solar radiation. If the earth did not tilt, we would not have seasons. Seasons animations http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupDownloadFile.asp?GroupId=12426&ResourceID=40423 http://www.schoolsobservatory.org.uk/astro/textb/phys/seasonsanim.htm

During summer in the Northern Hemisphere the longest day (the summer solstice) occurs when the sun is directly over the tropic of Cancer. As the earth continues its year long orbit the North Pole tilts away from the sun, and the South Pole tilts towards the sun.

The equinox is when the sun is directly over the equator The equinox is when the sun is directly over the equator. The Northern Hemisphere winter solstice (the shortest day) occurs when the sun is over the Tropic of Capricorn.

World Sunlight Map http://www.die.net/earth/

Interactive Game http://www.games4geog.com/cg/climatkeyterms.swf