meteorology chap. 12 air masses weather systems gathering weather data weather analysis

MeteorologyMeteorologyChap. 12Chap. 12Chap. 12Chap. 12

Air Masses

Weather Systems

Gathering Weather Data

Weather Analysis

Air Masses – 12.1ObjectivesObjectives

• Compare and contrast weather and climate• Analyze how imbalances in the heating of Earth’s surface create weather• Describe how and where air masses form

The Weather Channel

I.I. MeteorologyMeteorology

I.I. MeteorologyMeteorology

Meteorology is the study of atmospheric Meteorology is the study of atmospheric phenomena.phenomena.

Meteor- means ‘high in the air’Meteor- means ‘high in the air’

I.I. MeteorologyMeteorologyA.A. HydrometeorsHydrometeors

Any form of water in the atmosphereAny form of water in the atmosphere


B.B. LithometeorsLithometeors

Solid material in the atmosphere: smoke, dust, Solid material in the atmosphere: smoke, dust, condensation nucleicondensation nuclei


B.B. LithometeorsLithometeors

C.C. ElectrometeorsElectrometeors

Electricity in the atmosphere: thunder and Electricity in the atmosphere: thunder and lightning lightning

II.II. Weather vs. ClimateWeather vs. Climate


Weather is the Weather is the current state of the current state of the atmosphere (short-atmosphere (short-term) term)


Weather is the Weather is the current state of the current state of the atmosphere (short-atmosphere (short-term) term)

Climate is long-term Climate is long-term variation of the variation of the atmosphereatmosphere

III.III. Energy to EarthEnergy to Earth

III.III. Energy to EarthEnergy to EarthA.A. Energy gets to Earth via Energy gets to Earth via ..

Energy is transmitted through spaceEnergy is transmitted through space via lightvia light

III.III. Energy to EarthEnergy to EarthA.A. Energy gets to Earth via Energy gets to Earth via radiationradiation..

B.B. Some energy is absorbed, while Some energy is absorbed, while some is some is ..


B.B. Some energy is absorbed, whileSome energy is absorbed, while some is some is reflectedreflected..



C.C. Not all places receive equal Not all places receive equal radiation.radiation.

Why not ??Why not ??




1.1. When the sunlight strikes the Earth When the sunlight strikes the Earth perpendicularly the maximum perpendicularly the maximum energy is transferred.energy is transferred.

Unequal distribution of Sun’s radiationUnequal distribution of Sun’s radiation




1.1. When the sunlight strikes the Earth When the sunlight strikes the Earth perpendicularly the maximum perpendicularly the maximum energy is transferred.energy is transferred.

2.2. ImplicationsImplications

More heat is transmitted from the sun in ____.

a. the morning

b. the afternoon

c. the evening

ImplicationsImplications

More heat is transmitted from the sun in ____.

a. the morning

b. the afternoon

c. the evening

ImplicationsImplications

More heat is transmitted from the sun at____.

a. the equator

b. the poles

c. the point between the equator and the poles


B.B. Some energy is absorbed, which Some energy is absorbed, which some is some is reflectedreflected..


D.D. Energy that reaches the Earth is Energy that reaches the Earth is moved by the moved by the _____ and and ..


B.B. Some energy is absorbed, which Some energy is absorbed, which some is some is reflectedreflected..


D.D. Energy that reaches the Earth is Energy that reaches the Earth is moved by the moved by the waterwater and and airair..

IV.IV. Air MassesAir Masses

A large dome of air having similar horizontal A large dome of air having similar horizontal temperature and moisture properties.temperature and moisture properties.

IV.IV. Air MassesAir MassesA.A. Source RegionSource Region


1.1. An air mass that forms over a polar An air mass that forms over a polar region will be ____.region will be ____.


1.1. An air mass that forms over a polar An air mass that forms over a polar region will be region will be coldcold..

2.2. An air mass that forms over a tropic An air mass that forms over a tropic region will be region will be __________ and and __ ___ _..


1.1. An air mass that forms over a polar An air mass that forms over a polar region will be region will be coldcold..

2.2. An air mass that forms over a tropic An air mass that forms over a tropic region will be region will be warmwarm and and humidhumid..


B.B. Classifying Air MassesClassifying Air Masses


B.B. Classifying Air MassesClassifying Air Masses1.1. cT – Continental TropiccT – Continental Tropic

Warm and dryWarm and dry



2.2. mT – Maritime TropicmT – Maritime Tropic

Warm and humidWarm and humid




3.3. cP – Continental PolarcP – Continental Polar

Cold and dryCold and dry





4.4. mP – Maritime PolarmP – Maritime Polar

Cold and humidCold and humid





4.4. mP – Maritime PolarmP – Maritime Polar

5.5. A - ArcticA - ArcticCold and dryCold and dry

Air Masses over the U.S.Air Masses over the U.S.



C.C. Air masses are also classified by air Air masses are also classified by air mass stabilitymass stability

Stability is the resistance to vertical movement Stability is the resistance to vertical movement of air particlesof air particles



C.C. Air masses are also classified by air Air masses are also classified by air mass stabilitymass stability

D.D. Air masses are modified while they Air masses are modified while they move.move.

Eventually they lose their original Eventually they lose their original characteristicscharacteristics

The End

http://calspace.ucsd.edu/virtualmuseum/climatechange1/08_1.shtml

Air Masses – 12.1ObjectivesObjectives• Describe how the rotation of Earth affects the movement of air

• Compare and contrast wind systems

• Identify the various types of fronts

I.I. A Global IllustrationA Global Illustration

I.I. A Global IllustrationA Global IllustrationA.A. Vertical movement of airVertical movement of air


This is observed in the location that receives This is observed in the location that receives the greatest amount of solar radiationthe greatest amount of solar radiation

1.1. Warm air Warm air ..


This occurs as air loses energy in the upper This occurs as air loses energy in the upper troposphere.troposphere.

1.1. Warm air Warm air risesrises..

2.2. Cool air Cool air ..


This occurs as air loses energy in the upper This occurs as air loses energy in the upper troposphere.troposphere.

1.1. Warm air Warm air risesrises..

2.2. Cool air Cool air fallsfalls..


B.B. Movement of air across the Movement of air across the Earth’s surfaceEarth’s surface



1.1. Air moves North or South in various Air moves North or South in various Hadley cellsHadley cells




2.2. The location where air comes The location where air comes together between the tropics is called together between the tropics is called the the zone zone (ITCZ)(ITCZ)




2.2. The location where air comes The location where air comes together between the tropics is called together between the tropics is called the the intertropicalintertropical convergenceconvergence zone zone (ITCZ)(ITCZ)

Intertropical Convergence ZoneIntertropical Convergence Zone

http://calspace.ucsd.edu/virtualmuseum/climatechange1



C.C. Movement of air relative to Movement of air relative to Earth’s motionEarth’s motion




1.1. Air doesn’t travel straightAir doesn’t travel straight




1.1. Air doesn’t travel straightAir doesn’t travel straight

2.2. It turns due to the Coriolis effectIt turns due to the Coriolis effect

Perception of an East or West deflection of air currents due to the rotation of the Earth.

Coriolis effectCoriolis effect

In the Northern hemisphere air currents are deflected .

In the Southern hemisphere air currents are deflected .

Perception of an East or West deflection of air currents due to the rotation of the Earth.

Coriolis effectCoriolis effect

In the Northern hemisphere air currents are deflected right.

In the Southern hemisphere air currents are deflected left.

I.I. A Global IllustrationA Global IllustrationD.D. Global wind systemsGlobal wind systems


1.1. Trade winds (Northeast & Southeast)Trade winds (Northeast & Southeast)

Occur between the equator and 30Occur between the equator and 30ºN or 30ºN or 30ºSºS



2.2. WesterliesWesterlies

Occur between 30Occur between 30º and 60º (in North & South). º and 60º (in North & South). They blow toward the They blow toward the . .




Occur between 30Occur between 30º and 60º (in North & South). º and 60º (in North & South). They blow toward the They blow toward the EastEast. (From the West). (From the West)




3.3. Polar EasterliesPolar Easterlies

Occur between 60Occur between 60º and 90º (in North & South). º and 90º (in North & South). They blow toward the ______.They blow toward the ______.





4.4. DoldrumsDoldrums

It’s pretty depressing to sail here. It’s pretty depressing to sail here.





4.4. DoldrumsDoldrums

5.5. Horse LatitudesHorse Latitudes

Watch out for horses!Watch out for horses!


E.E. MoistureMoisture



1.1. In areas of In areas of pressure there is rain. pressure there is rain.



1.1. In areas of In areas of lowlow pressure there is rain. pressure there is rain.

2.2. In areas of high pressure it is In areas of high pressure it is ..



1.1. In areas of In areas of lowlow pressure there is rain. pressure there is rain.

2.2. In areas of high pressure it is In areas of high pressure it is drydry..



F.F. Jet StreamsJet Streams

Upper-level air winds

Caused by difference in temp. & pressure between equator and poles

High speed (some over 110 mph)

Move from West to East

Jet StreamJet Stream

Boundary between air masses with different Boundary between air masses with different densities.densities.

II.II. FrontsFronts

II.II. FrontsFrontsA.A. Cold FrontCold Front

1.1. Cold air displaces warm airCold air displaces warm air

Symbol:

direction



2.2. Warm air rises the steep boundaryWarm air rises the steep boundary

Symbol:

direction



2.2. Warm air rises the steep boundaryWarm air rises the steep boundary

3.3. Brings thunderstorms/rainBrings thunderstorms/rain

Symbol:

direction


B.B. Warm FrontWarm Front

Symbol: direction



Symbol: direction

1.1. Warm air moves slowly over cold air massWarm air moves slowly over cold air mass



1.1. Warm air moves slowly over cold air massWarm air moves slowly over cold air mass

2.2. Extensive clouds formed with Extensive clouds formed with precipitationprecipitation

Symbol: direction



C.C. Stationary FrontStationary Front




1.1. Warm air mass collides with cold massWarm air mass collides with cold mass





2.2. Neither air mass pushes harder than the Neither air mass pushes harder than the otherother





2.2. Neither air mass pushes harder than the Neither air mass pushes harder than the otherother

3.3. May bring days of cloudy/rainy weatherMay bring days of cloudy/rainy weather




D.D. Occluded FrontOccluded FrontSymbol:direction




D.D. Occluded FrontOccluded Front1.1. Cold air overtakes another cold frontCold air overtakes another cold front

Symbol:direction





2.2. Often occurs in later stages of stormOften occurs in later stages of storm

Symbol:direction





2.2. Often occurs in later stages of stormOften occurs in later stages of storm

3.3. Precipitation may occur on both sidesPrecipitation may occur on both sides

Symbol:direction

III.III. PressurePressureA.A. High Pressure High Pressure


1.1. Indicates air is Indicates air is __________


1.1. Indicates air is Indicates air is fallingfalling

2.2. Coriolis effect turns air ________Coriolis effect turns air ________



2.2. Coriolis effect turns air Coriolis effect turns air clockwiseclockwise

3.3. SymbolSymbol



2.2. Coriolis effect turns air clockwiseCoriolis effect turns air clockwise

3.3. SymbolSymbol

III.III. PressurePressureA.A. High PressureHigh Pressure

B.B. Low Pressure Low Pressure


B.B. Low Pressure Low Pressure 1.1. Indicates air is Indicates air is __________


B.B. Low Pressure Low Pressure 1.1. Indicates air is Indicates air is risingrising

2.2. Coriolis effect turns air Coriolis effect turns air ____________________________


B.B. Low Pressure Low Pressure 1.1. Indicates air is Indicates air is risingrising

2.2. Coriolis effect turns air Coriolis effect turns air counterclockwisecounterclockwise

3.3. SymbolSymbol

The End

Gathering Weather Data – 12.3

A balloon launch A balloon launch from the S. Pole.from the S. Pole.

ObjectivesObjectives• Recognize the importance of accurate weather data• Describe the technology used to collect weather data.• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of weather observation systems

I.I. Surface DataSurface Data

I.I. Surface DataSurface DataA.A. ThermometerThermometer


1.1. Indicates the Indicates the of the air. of the air.


1.1. Indicates the Indicates the temperaturetemperature of the air. of the air.

2.2. How does it work?How does it work?


B.B. BarometerBarometer



1.1. Indicates the Indicates the _______ of the _______ of the air.air.



1.1. Indicates the Indicates the pressurepressure of the air. of the air.




C.C. AnemometerAnemometer



C.C. AnemometerAnemometer1.1. Indicates the speed Indicates the speed

of the of the ..




C.C. AnemometerAnemometer1.1. Indicates the speed Indicates the speed

of the of the windwind..





D.D. HygrometerHygrometer




D.D. HygrometerHygrometer1.1. Indicates the Indicates the ______ ______

______________ of the air. of the air.




D.D. HygrometerHygrometer1.1. Indicates the Indicates the relative relative

humidityhumidity of the air. of the air.






E.E. CeilometerCeilometer





E.E. CeilometerCeilometer1.1. Indicates the height of Indicates the height of ..





E.E. CeilometerCeilometer1.1. Indicates the height of Indicates the height of cloudsclouds..


II.II. Upper-level DataUpper-level Data

II.II. Upper-level DataUpper-level DataA.A. Weather balloonsWeather balloons


B.B. RadiosondeRadiosonde

A package of sensors that collect atmospheric A package of sensors that collect atmospheric information in the upper atmosphereinformation in the upper atmosphere


B.B. RadiosondeRadiosondeMeasures:Measures:



1.1. TemperatureTemperatureMeasures:Measures:



1.1. TemperatureTemperature

2.2. PressurePressure

Measures:Measures:





3.3. HumidityHumidity

Measures:Measures:





3.3. HumidityHumidity

4.4. Wind speed & directionWind speed & direction

Measures:Measures:



C.C. RadarRadar

RaRadio dio ddetecting etecting aand nd rranginganging



C.C. RadarRadar

D.D. Doppler RadarDoppler Radar

Detect the speed of rain drops as they move Detect the speed of rain drops as they move toward/away from stationtoward/away from station

Doppler EffectDoppler Effect

Doppler EffectDoppler Effect1.1. The waves ahead of a moving object are The waves ahead of a moving object are

compressed, and wavelength is compressed, and wavelength is shortened.shortened.

Doppler EffectDoppler Effect1.1. The waves ahead of a moving object are The waves ahead of a moving object are

compressed, and wavelength is compressed, and wavelength is shortened.shortened.

2.2. The waves behind a moving object are The waves behind a moving object are depressed or elongated.depressed or elongated.



C.C. RadarRadar

D.D. Doppler RadarDoppler Radar

E.E. Weather SatellitesWeather Satellites

Take photos (visible and infrared light) of Take photos (visible and infrared light) of Earth.Earth.

The End

Weather Analysis – 12.4

ObjectivesObjectives• Analyze a basic surface weather chart• Distinguish between analog and digital forecasting• Describe problems with long-term forecasts

I.I. Station ModelStation Model

A condensed compilation of a variety of A condensed compilation of a variety of weather data.weather data.

I.I. Station ModelStation Model

See page 915See page 915

http://asp1.sbs.ohio-state.edu/

I.I. Station ModelStation ModelA.A. TemperatureTemperature



B.B. Dew pointDew point

Temperature at which water vapor condensesTemperature at which water vapor condenses




C.C. PrecipitationPrecipitation

Rain, Snow, Drizzle, Showers, Fog, Rain, Snow, Drizzle, Showers, Fog, Thunderstorm, etc.Thunderstorm, etc.





D.D. Cloud coverCloud cover

Fraction of the sky that is covered.Fraction of the sky that is covered.






E.E. WindWind

This shows a wind that is 25 knots FROM the This shows a wind that is 25 knots FROM the southwestsouthwest






E.E. WindWind

This shows a wind that is 25 knots FROM the This shows a wind that is 25 knots FROM the southwestsouthwest

10 + 10 + 5 knots10 + 10 + 5 knots


II.II. Surface AnalysisSurface Analysis

II.II. Surface AnalysisSurface AnalysisA.A. IsoplethsIsopleths

Lines connecting point of equal valueLines connecting point of equal value


1.1. IsobarsIsobars

““same same ””


1.1. IsobarsIsobars

““same same pressurepressure””


1.1. IsobarsIsobars

2.2. IsothermsIsotherms

““same same ””


1.1. IsobarsIsobars


““same same temperaturetemperature””


1.1. IsobarsIsobars


3.3. These lines are like lines of elevationThese lines are like lines of elevation


1.1. IsobarsIsobars


3.3. These lines are like lines of elevationThese lines are like lines of elevation

4.4. Many lines close together represent Many lines close together represent steep transitionsteep transition

III.III. ForecastingForecasting

Predicting the future weatherPredicting the future weather

III.III. ForecastingForecastingA.A. HistoricallyHistorically


1.1. Data was extrapolated from the Data was extrapolated from the weather of the past few daysweather of the past few days


1.1. Data was extrapolated from the Data was extrapolated from the weather of the past few daysweather of the past few days

2.2. Not very accurateNot very accurate


B.B. Digital ForecastingDigital Forecasting


B.B. Digital ForecastingDigital Forecasting1.1. Uses computers to analyze lots of Uses computers to analyze lots of

variables.variables.


B.B. Digital ForecastingDigital Forecasting1.1. Uses computers to analyze lots of Uses computers to analyze lots of

variables.variables.

2.2. The higher the density, the better The higher the density, the better the forecast.the forecast.



C.C. Analog ForecastingAnalog Forecasting

Looks for analogous conditions.Looks for analogous conditions.




1.1. Compares data to past weather that Compares data to past weather that had similar characteristics.had similar characteristics.




1.1. Compares data to past weather that Compares data to past weather that had similar characteristics.had similar characteristics.

2.2. Use to create broad, season Use to create broad, season forecasts.forecasts.

III.III. ForecastingForecastingD.D. Long-term forecastingLong-term forecasting


1.1. Accuracy of a forecast decreases Accuracy of a forecast decreases with time.with time.


1.1. Accuracy of a forecast decreases Accuracy of a forecast decreases with time.with time.

2.2. There are too many variable to There are too many variable to create a good forecastcreate a good forecast

The End

meteorology chap. 12 air masses weather systems gathering weather data weather analysis

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