Mada za sehemu hiiSpace DynamicsMada 3
- WEATHER AND CLIMATE
- CLIMATE CHANGES
- CLIMATOLOGY
Weather: The atmospheric condition of an area recorded over a short period, such as day-to-day or week-to-week. Determined by the behavior of weather elements such as temperature, humidity, sunshine, cloud cover, rainfall, and wind.
Climate: The description of atmospheric conditions recorded over a long period (30+ years). Determined by measuring or recording the behavior of weather elements over an extended duration.
Climatology: The scientific study of spatial distribution and processes of atmospheric phenomena.
Micro-climate: The atmospheric condition of a small area that differs from the surrounding areas.
Insolation: Solar radiation received in the atmosphere and on the Earth's surface. Represents the total energy generated by the sun and received by the Earth.
Weather Station: A place where weather elements are observed, measured, and recorded.
Weather Forecasting: The practice of predicting future weather conditions for a specific area. Two methods: traditional and modern scientific techniques.
Temperature
- The degree of hotness or coldness of an area or object.
- Measured in degrees Celsius (°C).
- Originates from solar energy, which is transformed into heat by the land and atmosphere.
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Earth's Inclination The Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5°, causing varying angles of solar radiation throughout the year as the planet revolves around the sun.
- During the Summer Solstice (June 21), the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, receiving more direct sunlight and higher temperatures.
- During the Winter Solstice, the Southern Hemisphere receives more solar energy. This tilt is responsible for seasonal temperature variations across different latitudes.
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Cloud Cover Thick cloud cover reflects a significant portion of solar radiation back into space, reducing the amount of heat that reaches the Earth's surface. Additionally, some energy is lost through re-radiation and reflection, especially during the day, leading to cooler surface temperatures in heavily clouded regions.
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Nature of the Earth's Surface
- Water absorbs and retains solar energy more effectively than land. It's transparent, allowing heat to penetrate deeper and distribute through convection currents, resulting in more stable temperatures.
- Land, being opaque, absorbs and releases heat quickly, causing greater temperature variations between day and night or different seasons.
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Elevation (Altitude) As altitude increases, temperature decreases due to the thinning of the atmosphere. The average rate of temperature drop is approximately 0.65°C per 100 meters — this is called the temperature lapse rate. Higher regions are thus generally cooler than areas at sea level.
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Distance from the Sea
- Coastal areas experience moderated temperatures due to the influence of large water bodies.
- They typically have cooler summers and warmer winters compared to inland areas, where temperatures fluctuate more significantly due to the absence of water's stabilizing effect.
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Ocean Currents
- Warm ocean currents (e.g., the Gulf Stream) raise temperatures in nearby coastal regions by warming the air above the water.
- Cold ocean currents (e.g., the Humboldt Current) lower temperatures in adjacent areas by cooling the air that flows over them. These currents play a key role in regulating regional climates.
Insolation
Solar radiation received at the Earth's surface depends on:
- Intensity of solar rays.
- Duration of sunlight (daylight hours).
Weather Elements Measured at Weather Stations
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Rainfall
- Sunshine
- Wind speed and direction
- Cloud cover
Weather Forecasting
- Traditional methods: Observing natural signs (e.g., animal behavior, cloud patterns).
- Scientific methods: Utilizing instruments and satellite technology.
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