REGENTS EARTH SCIENCE
Topic 6B objectives
Meteorology
1. Describe the advantages that have enabled modern technology to improve weather forecasting.
The three most important technology advances that have improved weather forecasting are:
-Radar
-Satellites
-Computers
2. Describe variables that cause daily temperature changes.
Cloud cover during the day blocks sunlight reducing the temperature. At night clouds prevent re-radiated energy from the Earth from going in to space raising the temperature. The duration of insolation also is important. The greater the duration of insolation the higher the temperature.
3. Analyze the differences in the origin and characteristics of hurricanes and tornadoes.
Hurricanes form over water near the equator in the late summer or early fall. They cover 100's of square miles and last for days. Wind speed are from about 74 to 200 mph. The greatest danger is from the storm surge.
Tornadoes form over land at mid latitudes in the spring. They cover yards and last for minutes. They produce the greatest wind speed on Earth. The top speed is unknown. The greatest danger is from wind blown projectiles.
4. Using the ESRT, interpret information given in the station model format.
The information students need is on page 13 of the ESRT. *Page 13 ESRT * Students have a worksheet, which gives them practice reading, and make station models.
5. Explain the difference between an isotherm map and an isobar map.
Isotherms connect points of equal temperature.
Isobars connect points of equal air pressure.
6. Given a weather map showing isobars, identify on the map the area having the greatest wind speed.
The wind velocity is the greatest where the isobars are closest together.
7. Define air mass:
An air mass is a large body of air, which has the same weather characteristics through out.
8. Determine the origin and characteristics of four types of air masses:
1) Polar: Forms at a high latitude and is cold.
2) Tropical: Forms at a low latitude and is warm.
3) Maritime: Forms over water and is moist.
4) Continental: Forms over land and is dry.
9 a. Describe the air circulation pattern of a low-pressure system:
Air moves in towards the center and rotates counterclockwise.
b. Describe the air circulation pattern of a high-pressure system:
Air moves away from the center and rotates clockwise.
10 a. Define weather front:
A weather front is the boundary between two different air masses.
b. Locate the positions of a weather front on a weather map.
Weather fronts always radiate from the center of low-pressure systems. The actual front are located between station models that are close to each other , but have very different weather conditions. For example two cities that are near each other but have a 20o temperature difference.
11. Analyze how wind direction is influenced by the rotation of the Earth.
North of the equator the rotation of the Earth causes winds to curve to the right.
12. Using the ESRT, identify the prevailing wind direction between specified latitudes.
The chart is on page 15 of the ESRT.* Page 15 ESRT * We live at 43o N, which the chart shows is dominated by winds that come from the southwest.
13. Predict the direction and rate of movement of weather systems and air masses in North America.
Because of the prevailing westerlies in North America, weather systems move from west to east. They move 400 to 600 miles a day.
14. Construct a diagram of a land breeze or sea breeze. Label areas of high and low pressure, air temperatures, and wind direction.
Sea breeze: Happens during the daytime. Wind blows from the water towards the land. The land has lower air pressure and a higher temperature than the water.
Land breeze: Happens during the nighttime. Wind blows from the land to the water. The water has lower air pressure and a higher temperature than the land.
15. Given a weather map, determine the weather conditions for a specified location in the next 24 hours.
Warm front: Gentile rain precedes the front. Cirrus then stratus cloud also precede the front. After the front passes temperatures will increase and skies will remain cloudy.
Cold front: Heavy rain as the front passes. Cumulonimbus clouds are found at the front. After the front passes temperatures will drop and the skies clear.
Low pressure: Warm temperatures with clouds and possibly rain.
High pressure: Cold temperatures with clear skies.
