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weather

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Secondary Information

Definition

Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. It is influenced by many factors, including the sun, the wind, the clouds, the water in the air, and the Earth's surface.

Here are some of the factors that affect the weather:

  • The sun: The sun is the main source of energy for the weather. The sun's heat causes water to evaporate from the Earth's surface. This water vapour rises into the atmosphere and forms clouds.
  • The wind: The wind is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface. The sun heats the Earth's surface unevenly, which causes the air to move. The wind can affect the weather by carrying clouds, moisture, and heat from one place to another.
  • The clouds: Clouds are made up of water vapour that has condensed. Clouds can affect the weather by blocking the sun's heat and by releasing water vapour that can form rain, snow, or sleet.
  • The water in the air: The amount of water vapour in the air is called humidity. Humidity can affect the weather by making it feel hotter or colder.
  • The Earth's surface: The Earth's surface can also affect the weather. For example, mountains can block the wind and cause clouds to form.

The weather is constantly changing, and it is important to be able to predict the weather so that we can plan our activities accordingly. Meteorologists use tools such as weather balloons, satellites, and radar to track the weather and make predictions.

How can the word be used?

The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.

weather

Different forms of the word

Noun: the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, in terms of temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, cloud cover, and other meteorological elements.

Verb: to be exposed to the elements.

Adjective: relating to the weather.

Etymology

The word "weather" comes from the Old English word "weðer", which means "wind" or "atmosphere".

The first recorded use of the word "weather" in English was in the 8th century.

Question

What weather is linked to each of the seasons?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the factors that influence weather patterns and conditions. Discuss the role of atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind in shaping the weather we experience.

Answer:

  • Weather patterns and conditions are influenced by a combination of factors that interact in complex ways to create the atmospheric conditions we experience. These factors include atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind.
  • Atmospheric pressure refers to the force exerted by the weight of the air above a specific location. Areas of high pressure, known as anticyclones, typically bring clear and fair weather, while low-pressure regions, or cyclones, often result in cloudy skies and precipitation.
  • Temperature is a critical determinant of weather. The warming of air masses causes them to rise, creating areas of low pressure and potential for precipitation. Conversely, cooler air masses tend to be denser and may lead to high-pressure systems and clear skies.
  • Humidity, or the amount of water vapour in the air, plays a role in precipitation and cloud formation. When humid air cools and reaches its dew point, condensation occurs, leading to the formation of clouds and potentially rain.
  • The wind is the movement of air caused by differences in atmospheric pressure. It plays a significant role in redistributing heat and moisture around the globe, leading to variations in weather patterns.

Collectively, these factors interact to create the diverse weather conditions we experience. Understanding their interplay enables meteorologists to forecast weather and helps us interpret the atmospheric processes that lead to the ever-changing patterns of sunshine, clouds, precipitation, and wind that make up our daily weather.