Download Weather Study Guide

Name: ___________________________________
Test Date: Monday, October 3, 2016
Weather Test Study Guide
 The atmosphere surrounds our Earth and is made of layers of gas. The weather takes place in the
first layer closest to Earth. This happens because of the water vapor found there.
 Meteorology is the study of weather.
 A meteorologist studies weather. Makes a prediction about the future weather and shares it
through a forecast. He/she may show it on a weather map.
 Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air.
 A front is where warm and cold air masses meet.
Weather Instruments
1. What instrument measures the amount of rain that has fallen in inches? Rain Gauge
2. What instrument measures how hot or cold the temperature of the air is? Thermometer
3. Which instrument shows the direction the wind is coming from? Wind Vane
4. Which instruments measures the speed of the wind? Anemometer
5. The Beaufort Scale is used to describe wind speed.
6. Satellite- takes images from above the Earth of cloud coverage and hurricanes
7. Radar- uses radio waves to read the weather (cloud coverage, storms, rainfall)
Clouds
6. The weather outside is fair, and you notice high, thin, wispy clouds. Which type of cloud do you
see? Cirrus
7. A stratus cloud is a cloud that spreads out like a blanket, and is low in the sky.
8. A cumulus cloud is big and puffy. When you see a dark cumulus cloud, you can expect rain.
Water Cycle
9. In which stage of the water cycle does water vapor cool, and form visible droplets of water?
Condensation
10. The runoff stage of the water cycle is when precipitation falls on land surface and returns to
oceans and lakes.
11. List the correct sequence of the water cycle.
1. The sun warms the water on the Earth
2. Water evaporates
3. Water vapor condenses to form clouds
4. Precipitation occurs
5. Water runs off into lakes and rivers
Severe Weather
12. Thunderstorm
 A severe storm with lightning, thunder, heavy rain and strong winds.
 Some thunderstorms produce hail.
 Some examples of the effects of thunderstorms may be that heavy rains cause flooding, lightning
can cause fires, and strong winds can blow over trees or power lines.
13. Tornado
● A funnel-shaped cloud that comes down from a storm cloud with winds spinning at very high
speeds.
● Some examples of the effects of tornadoes may be that high winds damage and/or destroy
buildings, trees, power-lines, and crops.
14. Hurricane
● A large storm that forms over warm ocean water with very strong winds that blow in a circular
pattern around the center, or eye, of the storm.
● Some examples of the effects of hurricanes may be that high winds can blow over trees, power
lines, and even buildings; heavy rain can cause flooding; the storm waves and rise in sea level at the
beach cause massive flooding and damage the coastal zone. There are safety concerns related to
these storms because of their conditions and effects.
15. Some examples of these safety concerns may be:
● During a thunderstorm, stay inside if possible; stay out of the water; and do not stand under trees.
● During a tornado, find a safe place away from window; if you cannot find shelter lie flat in a ditch
or other low place; and do not stay in your car.
● During a hurricane, board up windows in your house; stay away from windows; and move further
inland if you are near the coast.