November 28, 2017 Day 1 Air Masses & Fronts Teachers- please out the sheet (right) for the students to fill in as we go!
Review: Clouds & Precipitation? What are the 4 different clouds? Status, Cumulus, Cirrus, and Fog What does nimbo/nimbus mean? RAIN What are the 4 different types of precipitation? Rain, Sleet, Snow, Hail
What is a Air Mass? An air mass is large region of the atmosphere where the air has similar properties throughout. Air masses are named for the region they come from. There are 4 types of air masses. Air Mass: A region of the atmosphere where the air has similar properties. *Air mass is an area of air that has similar properties *4 Types: *Continental Polar *Maritime Polar *Continental Tropical *Maritime Tropical
What is a Air Mass? Once an air mass is formed, it is moved by global winds. In the United States, global winds such as the PREVAILING WESTERLIES, tend to move air masses from WEST to EAST! *Prevailing Westerlies usually move air masses AIR MASSES = WEST EAST
What is a Front? When air masses with different temperatures meet, they don't mix together. Instead a narrow boundary forms between them which is called a front. Front: A narrow boundary between two air masses. Usually when fronts occur one air mass is moving into an area while another is moving out. Fronts often cause rainy, unsettled weather. Just like clouds and rain there are 4 types of fronts. *Front narrow boundary between two air masses *Fronts usually cause rainy and unsettled weather KEY WORD: FRONT = BRINGS RAIN
What is a Cold Front? Cold Fronts are where a cold air mass moves in under a warm air mass. Cold Fronts usually bring brief heavy storms (Sometimes Thunderstorms). Afterward the skies are usually clear and cool. *Cold Front cold air moves under warm air *Brings Brief Heavy Storms (Sometimes Thunderstorms) *After the storm skies are clear, cooler, and dry KEY WORD: COLD FRONT = BRIEF HEAVY STORMS & CLEAR COOL SKIES
What is a Warm Front? Warm Fronts are where a warm air mass moves in over a cold air mass. Warm Fronts usually bring light steady rain or snow, precipitation may last for days, and light winds. Afterwards the weather is warmer and more humid *Warm Front warm air moves over cool air *Brings Light Steady Rain and Lasts for days *After the weather is warmer and more humid KEY WORD: WARM FRONT = LONG LASTING LIGHT RAIN & WARM and HUMID
What is a Stationary Front? Stationary Fronts are where a warm air mass and a cold air mass meet but neither have the energy to move under or over the other. Stationary Fronts usually bring Rainy and cloudy weather for many days *Warm and Cold Air Masses Meet *Brings rainy and cloudy weather for many days
What is a Occluded Front? Occluded Fronts are where a warm air mass is caught between 2 cold air masses. Occluded Fronts usually bring Cool temperatures and rainy or snowy days. *Warm air mass is caught b/t 2 cold air masses *Usually brings rainy and cool temperatures
Let's Do A Quick Review... Click Here to Learn More
Day 2 Weather Patterns
Review: Air Masses & Fronts What weather is the weather like after a cold front has moved in? Cool temperature and clear skies What weather comes with a warm front? Light steady rain that lasts for days What direction do air masses move? West to East
What is the Jet Stream? The Jet Stream is like a river of wind high above in the atmosphere. These slim strips of strong winds have a huge influence on climate, as they can push air masses around and affect weather patterns. *Jet Stream is a band of wind high above the atmosphere
Jet Stream Facts... The Polar Jet Stream has the greatest affect on the United States is found below the North Pole. *Jet Stream runs WEST to EAST *Barrier between Hot and Cold Air *Greater the temperature difference the faster it moves *Pushes air masses around *Jet Steam drops down with bring cold air (DOWN=COLD AIR) *Jet Stream moves up brings warm air (UP=WARM AIR) KEY WORD: JET STREAM = FAST WIND that MOVES WEATHER/AIR MASSES
November 28, 2017 For More Info on the Jet Stream let's ask this guy, he's a weather man so he knows this stuff... Click Here to Learn More
What is the Gulf Stream? The Gulf Stream is a powerful current in the Atlantic Ocean. winds push water in the Atlantic towards the East coast of the United States. In turn, the Gulf Stream affects the climate of the areas closest to the current by bringing warmer temperatures. *Water Current brings warm temperatures *Affects the EAST COAST of the United States KEY WORD: GULF STREAM = WARM TEMPERATURES & EAST COAST
What is the Coriolis Effect? The Coriolis Effect is the curving of the wind caused by the Earth's rotation. The Coriolis Effect plays an important part in the movement of different weather patterns all around the world. Especially when it comes to ocean currents like the Gulf Stream. *Curving of the wind caused by Earth's Rotation
November 28, 2017 Day 3 Global Weather Systems
Review: Weather Patterns What is the Jet Stream? A band of wind high above the atmosphere. What does the Gulf Stream do the United States? Brings warm temperatures to the East Coast If the Jet Stream sinks DOWN, what will happen to temperatures? It will get colder
What is the El Nino? El Nino A warming of the surface water of the eastern and central Pacific Ocean, occurring every 4 to 12 years and causing unusual weather patterns. El Nino tends to bring warm temperatures and rain to the west coast of the United States. *El Nino is the warming of water in the Pacific Ocean *Brings warmer temperatures and rain KEY WORD: EL NINO = RAIN & WARM
El Nino Facts... El Niño can result in A stormy winter along the West Coast. A wet winter across the South. A warmer-than average winter for parts of the North. *Brings Stormy weather along West Coast *Rainy Winters in SOUTH EAST *Warmer temperatures KEY WORD: EL NINO = RAIN & WARM Click Here to Learn More
What is the La Nina? La Nina A cooling of the surface water of the eastern and central Pacific Ocean, occurring every 4 to 12 years and causing unusual weather patterns. La Niña features drier and milder conditions across the South, the Pacific Northwest will become wetter than normal, while the Northeast will have cold periods. *La Nina is the cooling of water in the Pacific Ocean *Brings mild and dry weather across the South *Brings more rain along the West Coast KEY WORD: LA NINA = DRY & MILD
Day 4 Weather Maps
Why are weather maps important? Weather maps help create accurate weather predictions so that we can plan our day-to-day activities. Weather forecasting helps us to make more informed daily decisions, and may even help keep us out of danger. Modern weather forecasting involves a combination of computer models, observation, and a knowledge of trends and patterns. *Weather maps help predict how weather will move *Weather maps help determine out day-to-day activities *REMEMBER: *WEATHER MOVES WEST to EAST
Air Pressure Air pressure is represented by a line on a map connecting places with equal pressure know as isobars. Isobars help scientists predict how fast air will move. Remember the greater the difference in air pressure the faster the wind blows. *Isobar is a line on a map connecting places with equal air pressure.
High Pressure and Low Pressure On weather maps high pressure is show using a blue H. Low pressure is shown using a red L.
Cold, Warm, and Stationary Fronts Cold fronts are represented on a map using a line with blue triangles. Warm fronts are represented on a map using a line with red half circles. Stationary fronts are represented on a map using a line with alternating and opposing red half circles and blue triangles.
Station Models A weather station model includes temperature, cloud cover, air pressure, pressure change, wind speed, and wind direction. Cloud Cover Wind Air Pressure