1. Atmosphere and Weather
Visual Vocabulary

2. Learning Objectives
SC.912.E.7.5: Predict future weather conditions based on present observations and conceptual models and recognize limitations and uncertainties of such predictions SC.912.E.7.6: Relate the formation of severe weather to the various physical factors.

3. Atmosphere A thin layer of gases that surround the Earth.
It protects the Earth by keeping temperatures in range to allow living organisms to survive.
It also protects us from the Sun’s harmful rays.

4. Gases of the Atmosphere
Includes Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Ozone, etc.

5. Layers of the Atmosphere
Atmosphere has several different layers
Each having unique gas compositions and how temperature changes

6. Troposphere
The layer of the atmosphere closest to the Earth’s surface.
The temperature decreases as you move away from the Earth’s surface.
All weather occurs in the tropshere

7. Stratosphere The layer right above the troposphere.
It contains the ozone layer which increases temperature in increasing altitudes.

8. Ozone Layer
Contain a layer of ozone gas that protects us from harmful Ultraviolet (UV) Sun rays.
Ozone is part of the stratosphere

9. Mesosphere and Thermosphere
These two layers of the atmosphere together form the broadest part of the atmosphere, but only has 1% of gases in the atmosphere.
This is where most meteors burn up before striking the Earth’s surface.

10. Ionosphere
Located within the mesosphere and thermosphere, this layer in the atmosphere has ions.
This allows radio waves to be able to transmitted for long distances around the world.

11. Aurora Borealis
Taking place in the ionosphere, auroras occur when ions from the Sun (through the magnetosphere) strikes air molecules, causing them to show vivid colors of light.
They are easier to see closer to the North and South poles.

12. Exosphere
The layer of the atmosphere the farthest from the Earth’s surface.
The gas molecules moves very fast as they absorb the Sun’s radiation.

13. Magnetosphere
Thanks to the magnetosphere, as well as solar wind, it forms the Aurora Borealis (“Northern Lights”).
It is the outer part of Earth magnetic field controlled by the poles on Earth.
Energy carried by solar wind get transferred to the charge particles that make up the magnetosphere itself.

14. Jetstream High winds located near the top of the troposphere.
Jet steams are thin bands of high wind speeds.
The travel around the Earth from west to east, often making larger loops to the south and then to the north.

15. Weather
Weather is short term changes to the conditions in the atmosphere in a certain place at a certain time. Some condition include temperature, rainfall, air pressure, wind speed and direction, humidity, cloud coverage, and precipitation.

16. Meteorology Scientists who study and predict the weather
Describes the changes to the conditions in the atmosphere

17. Climate
It’s the long-time average weather conditions that occur in a particular area

18. Forecast
Prediction
Based on data and observations, a meteorologist can accurately predict or know the upcoming weather
Using special instruments and observations to measure the conditions of the atmosphere

19. Air Temperature
It is the degree or intensity of heat that is in the air which determines how hot or cold the air is
When air molecules move faster, the air get warmer
When air molecules slow down, the air get cooler
Measured by a thermometer

20. Air Pressure
It is the force or pressure that a column of air used on the surface by the weight of the air.
Air Pressure decreases as the altitude increases. Measured by using a barometer.

21. Wind and Wind Speed
This is when air moves from areas of high pressure and low pressure; it create wind.
Meteorologist measure wind speed using an instrument called an anemometer.

22. Humidity It is the amount of water vapor in the air.
When the humidity is high there is more water vapor in the air.
That means you skin might feel sticky and the sweat does not evaporate from your skin as fast as if there is less water vapor in the air (dry air).

23. Clouds
Clouds are water droplets or ice crystals suspended on the atmosphere.
When water vapor cools it condenses on small particles in the air and forms droplets.
The droplets together form clouds

24. Precipitation
Water, in liquid or solid form, that falls from the atmosphere

25. Water Cycle Review
When water continually moves among oceans, land, and the atmosphere (evaporation, condensation, and precipitation)

26. Weather Maps
Weather maps contains symbols that provide information about the weather

27. Warm Fronts/Cold Fronts
Cold Fronts occur when cold air (which is denser than warm air) pushes underneath the warm air.
This cools the warm air allowing water vapor in the air to condense and form clouds.
Showers and thunderstorms form along cold fronts.
Temperatures remain low for the next few days.
Warm Fronts form when less dense warmer air moves toward colder air.
When water vapor in warm air condenses, it create a wide blanket of clouds.
This brings steady rain.
Temperatures tend to be warmer and more humid.

28. Thunderstorms
Also known as electrical storms because of their lightning, thunderstorms have warm temperatures, moisture, and rising air.

29. Tornado
Violent, whirling column of air the come into contact with the ground

30. Hurricanes
An intense tropical storm with winds exceeding 75miles or 119 km per hour.
These swirling winds form over warm tropical ocean water.

31. Storm warnings
The U.S National Weather Service issues watches and warnings for different types of severe weather.
A watch means that severe weather is possible.
A warning means that severe weather is already happening.

33. Storm Preparedness
It extremely important to protect yourself and prepare for severe weather.
During thunderstorms, you should stay inside and avoid any electrical outlets and metal objects.
If you are outside, stay away from high ground, water, and isolated trees and poles.
For hurricanes and tornadoes, stay inside at all times and stay away from windows.
Make sure you have a kit to prepare for loss of power and usable water and have an evacuation plan in place.