Chapter 4: Section 2 - Weather Basics

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Overview

In this section you will find materials that support the implementation of EarthComm, Section 2: Weather Basics.

Learning Outcomes

  • Carry out investigations to explain the effects of different temperatures on the density of a volume of air.
  • Analyze data on a map of the United States to identify regional air masses.
  • Carry out an investigation that measures the elements that make up weather.
  • Obtain information about the effects that result from the interaction of different types of air masses.

Inquiring Further

  1. To learn more about tracking weather events over time using a weather map, visit the following web site:

    National Weather Service, NOAA
    Map of the United States showing current weather forecasts.  Click on your region for a more specific forecast.
     
  2. To identify the weather station nearest to your community , visit the following web site:

    Locate Weather Observation Station Record, NOAA
    Search for the weather station nearest to your community. Two methods are available, a data search tool or an interactive map.

Local Climate Data by City, Street or Zip Code, NOAA
Search for current and past conditions and forecasts by location. This also includes links to radar pictures, river and lake data.

To identify the state climatologist for your state, visit the following web site:

American Association of State Climatologists, AASC
State climatologists deliver science-based climate services at the state and local levels. Scroll down and click on your state to identify the state climatologist.

Resources

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

How and Why Warm Air Rises

Cloud Development and Stability, UCAR
Describes mechanisms that cause air to rise and form clouds. Also describes the outcome when air is also forced upward at areas of low pressure or when two airmasses collide.

Cloud Formation, UK Met Office
Describe cloud formation, including a video. In addition to surface heating, also describes the effects of topography, frontal contact, convergence, and turbulence on uplift.

Air Masses and Fronts

Air Masses, NOAA
Explains how air masses form, the principle classifications that influence the continental United States, and the formation of fronts between them.

Characteristics of the Atmosphere, Air Parcels and Air Masses, NASA
Scroll down to examine the characteristics of air masses, the lifting or rising of an air mass, air mass classification, and the direction of movement of major air masses.

How Clouds Form

Cloud Formation, UK Met Office
Describes cloud formation, including a video. In addition to surface heating, also describes the effects of topography, frontal contact, convergence, and turbulence on uplift.

The Importance of Understanding Clouds, NASA
Describe how clouds are an important regular of Earth's temperature.

Understanding Clouds and Fog, USA Today
Reviews how and where clouds typically form. Includes some graphics and additional links to help understand clouds.

Types of Clouds

Cloud Classification and Characteristics, NOAA
Examines the classification system for classifying clouds.  Provides example pictures of each type.

Cloud Types, Windows to the Universe NESTA
Click on the cloud groups or cloud type of interest to view an image and relevant text.

Weather and the Water Cycle

The Water Cycle, NASA
Examines the role of water in the Earth system, including elements of weather.