Download Chapter 5 – Earth`s Weather

Chapter 5 – Earth’s Weather
Study Guide
Main Ideas
Lesson 1 – Earth’s Atmosphere

The properties of air are that it has weight, takes up space, and
exerts pressure.

Changes in volume, temperature, humidity, or altitude can change air
pressure.

Two types of barometers are used to measure atmospheric pressure.
Lesson 2 – Air Currents and Wind

The Sun heats Earth’s atmosphere unequally.

Air moves from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure.

Global winds are predictable, blow steadily, and blow over long
distances.
Lesson 3 – Oceans and Air Temperature

Earth’s oceans keep Earth’s temperatures moderate.

Ocean currents move heat and water around the Earth.

An El Niño can cause weather changes over a large area.
Lesson 4 – Severe Weather

When air masses with different temperatures and humidity meet, they
cause changes in air pressure that can lead to thunderstorms.

Cyclones, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, are storms with a low
pressure center that causes circular pattern of winds to form.

Other types of severe weather include monsoons and fog.
Lesson 5 – Predicting the Weather

Weather maps show the weather in an area at a specific point in time.

Movements of masses of air with different pressures bring changes in
weather.

Weather data comes from observations and instruments.
The Scientific Method
Observation → Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Conclusion
Outlines
* For more detailed information, refer to your lesson outlines.
Vocabulary
Word
Definition
air mass
A large region of air that has a similar
temperature and humidity.
air pressure
The force put on a given area by the weight
of the air above it.
altitude
The height above Earth’s surface.
atmosphere
The air that surrounds Earth.
barometer
An instrument that is used to measure
atmospheric pressure.
climate
The average weather conditions of a place
or region.
convection
current
The transfer of heat from the flow of air in a
loop.
Picture
current
An on-going movement of ocean water.
cyclone
Any storm with a low pressure center and a
counter-clockwise rotation.
drought
A long period without rain, or very little rain.
El Niño
A large change in world ocean currents
where cold water sinks and warm water
rises.
equator
An imaginary line that runs around Earth’s
middle.
forecast
A prediction of weather before it happens.
front
The boundary marking the edge of the
oncoming air mass.
hurricane
A large swirling storm with low pressure in
its center and wind gusts of more than 75
miles per hour.
jet stream
Powerful high altitude global winds above
high and low pressure systems.
land breeze
Cool air moves from land to water.
lightning
The spark caused when the electricity in a
thunderhead discharges.
monsoon
A seasonal wind that brings heavy rain.
ocean current
Transfers heat from one place to another
which affects weather and climate.
sea breeze
Air that moves over water to land.
thunderstorm
A rainstorm that includes lightning and
thunder.
tornado
A rotating funnel-shaped cloud that is a low
pressure closure.
trade winds
Winds between 30°N latitude and 30°S
latitude.
weather map
Shows the weather in a specific area at a
specific point in time.