Saturday, June 20, 2009

Thunderstorm

A thunderstorm is a local storm with lightning, thunder, heavy rain, and sometimes hail.

Meteorology

Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and weather.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Earth - trivia 1

1) What is the biosphere?

a) outer space
b) where life exists on Earth

Check comments for the answer.

Weather - trivia 4

1) What does an anemometer do?

a) measure wind speed
b) measure the height of clouds

Check comments for the answer.

Weather - trivia 3

1) What does a hygrometer do?

a) measure atmospheric pressure
b) measure relative humidity

Check comments for the answer.

Rain gauge

A rain gauge measures the amount of rain that has fallen.

Snow gauge

A snow gauge measures the amount of snow that has fallen.

Weather vane

A weather vane shows the direction of the wind.

Weather balloon

A weather balloon carries instruments up in the sky to take measurements of atmospheric conditions.

Lightning detector

A lightning detector detects lightning from thunderstorms.

Thermometer

A thermometer measures temperature.

Anemometer

An anemometer measures wind speed.

Hygrometer

A hygrometer measures relative humidity.

Barometer

A barometer measures atmospheric pressure.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Weather - trivia 2

1) In which direction do jet streams flow?

a) east to west
b) west to east

Check comments for the answer.

High

A high is an area where the atmospheric pressure is higher than the surrounding area. They bring clear weather. A high pressure system is identified by the letter H on a weather map.

Low

A low is an area where the atmospheric pressure is lower than the surrounding area. They bring inclement weather. A low pressure system is identified by the letter L on a weather map.

Ozone layer

The ozone layer is a layer in the atmosphere that has high levels of ozone. It blocks most of the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.

Biosphere

The biosphere is where life exists on Earth. This includes land, water, and in the atmosphere.

Jet stream

Jet streams are high altitude, narrow air currents in the troposphere that flow from west to east.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Volcano

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust that allows lava and gasses to erupt from below.

Weather - trivia 1

1) Which direction do winds flow around a high pressure system in the northern hemisphere?

a) clockwise
b) counter-clockwise

Check comments for the answer.

Clouds

Clouds are made up of droplets or frozen crystals in the atmosphere.

Snow

Snow is precipitation that falls from clouds in the form of water ice.

Sunlight

Sunlight is the light that comes from the Sun.

Atmosphere

Atmosphere is the air and weather at a given place.