Sem Review Part 2 ~ Meteorology

Atmosphere Describe the difference between WEATHER & CLIMATE

Fronts, Pressure, & Sky Conditions Describe the movement of air near HIGH and low pressure centers. Explain why Michigan has mostly clear skies under HIGH pressure but cloudy skies under low pressure.

2 Main gases of Earth’s Atmo. Nitrogen: Oxygen:

Atmosphere Describe the importance of the 3 minor atmospheric components: Water Vapor Ozone Atmospheric Dust

CFC’s Breakdown O-Zone in the Stratosphere.

Layers of the Atmosphere

Lower Atmosphere Describe the temperature trend in each of the bottom 2 layers of Earth atmosphere. Explain what causes that temperature trend.

Filtering out EM radiation Describe how each form of EM radiation is filtered out by a different layer(s) of the atmosphere Gamma & X-Ray UV IR & Vis

Heating the troposphere Using the terms conduction, convection, and radiation, explain how each process contributes to the daily heating of the troposphere. Explain the daily “delay” in heating.

Albedo

Factors affecting temperature Explain which factor affects the temperature difference between each pair of cities Latitude Elevation Maritime Location

Movement of Weather Trade winds: Westerly winds: Begin at equator move from the East to the West Westerly winds: Winds affecting the U.S., move from the West to the East

Calculating Relative Humidity Determine water vapor capacity for each temperature below 5°C (@ 8am) 9°C (@ 12pm) 12°C (@ 3pm) Use your capacity #s to calculate relative humidity % if the specific humidity is constant (12g of H2O)

Cloud Formation Describe each ingredient needed for cloud formation. Explain the source Convective Cooling Forceful Lifting Air Mass Lifting Mountain Lifting

CLOUDS Draw and describe the structure of the following cloud types: Stratus Cumulus Cirrus Cumulonimbus

Mountain Terrain

Air Masses Describe (and show on a map) the 4 main air masses that affect the U.S.: mT cP cT mP

Fronts, Pressure, & Sky Conditions Describe the movement of air near HIGH and low pressure centers. Explain why Michigan has mostly clear skies under HIGH pressure but cloudy skies under low pressure.

Temperatures & Fronts Compare temperatures in cities A, B, and C. Explain how approaching fronts will eventually change temperatures for each. Explain why the front over Lake Superior formed. C B A

Reading an isobar map Find wind direction for the following: Toronto Topeka Denver Augusta Rank them strongest (1) to calmest (4) winds

Severe Weather Explain the scientific cause of each: Hail Lighting Thunder Describe the formation of a tornado Where and Why

Severe Weather Describe Hurricane formation. Include diagram Where winds are highest Winds lowest Air pressures associated with hurricanes What fuels them What happens when they go on land Most costly part of hurricanes

Biogeochemical Cycles Why is Earth considered a “closed system” Illustrate: Carbon Cycle Nitrogen Cycle

Climate Change Greenhouse Effect Causes of Climate Change CO2 Levels in atmo. Direct/Indirect evidence

Ocean Salinity Melting of land ice Would affect salt content and would change ocean patterns.

Ocean Currents Effect on: What causes currents? Maritime Climates Northern Latitudes What causes currents?

Greenhouse Gases The major natural greenhouse gases are water vapor, which causes about 36-70% carbon dioxide, which causes 9-26%;  methane, which causes 4-9%, and  ozone, which causes 3-7%. 

Climate Change Natural: Man-Made:

Atmosphere CO2 Levels

Global Warming Warmer Oceans: Sea-level rise Severity of Storms (hurricanes)

Climate Change Evidence Tree Rings Pollen Spores Ice Cores/CO2