Weather Patterns and Predictions Part 1

Weather Patterns and Predictions

by Ashley Roe-Jones

​Standard/Learning Target

SES5.c Construct an argument that predicts weather patterns based on interactions among ocean currents, air masses, and topography.

• I can identify patterns in ocean currents, air masses, and topography. (Knowledge)

• I can explain weather patterns based on interactions among ocean currents, air masses, and topography. (Reasoning)

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​Let's Review...

​Air Mass

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Fronts

Multiple Choice

A front is

• where warm air is cooling at earth's surface
• a line where hot and cold air are separating
• a line where two different air masses meet
• where cold air is rising and forming rain clouds

Multiple Choice

4. An air mass is...

• A body of air with the same temperature and moisture throughout.
• a body of air that produces rain
• A body  of evaporated water
• the weight of air

Multiple Choice

A cold front usually brings what kind of weather?

• snow  
• sunny and fair
• rain and/or thunderstorms 
•  cool and dry 

Multiple Choice

When a cold front or a warm front stays in place for several days without invading another front, it is called a ______. 

• stationary front 
•  cold front 
• occluded front
• warm front 

Multiple Choice

How do we name air masses?

• Water and temperature
• Air pressure
• moisture and temperature
• Cold and warm

Multiple Choice

6. Air masses develop because the Earth is heated unevenly.

• True
• False

​These factors also affect weather...

​Air Pressure

​Air Pressure, Barometric pressure, is the measure of the force exerted in all directions by the air.

​It is directly affected by the density of the air.

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​Two factors that affect air density:

​TEMPERATURE

​MOISTURE (Humidity)

Open Ended

How do you think temperature and humidity affect air pressure?

​Air Pressure and Density

​More Dense=Greater Pressure

​Less Dense=Less Pressure

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​Warm Air=Less Dense

​Cool Air=More Dense

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​Dry Air=More Dense

​Moist (Humid) Air=Less Dense

Multiple Choice

What happens to air pressure as you move upward into the atmosphere?

• increases
• decreases
• stays the same

Multiple Choice

In what direction(s) does air exert pressure?

• everywhere
• no where
• there is no pressure
• downward

Multiple Choice

Which weather condition will most likely occur when the atmospheric pressure in an area begins falling?

• dry
• cold
• rainy
• sunny

Multiple Choice

Which kind of weather change will occur with an increase in air pressure?

• cooler and dryer
• colder and rainier
• hotter and stormier
• warmer and moister

Multiple Choice

Fewer molecules further apart, means density is:

• high
• low

​Air Pressure and Winds

​When the temperature changes, it causes a difference in pressure. This forces dense cool air (over water) to sink and move along the ground. When that happens it pushes the warmer air upward.

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​Air moves from a region of high pressure (cool air over water) to low pressure (warm air over land).

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​Changes in air pressure also cause changes in weather conditions .

​Topographic Map

​Topographic Maps are marked with contured lines...ISOBARS.

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The Isobars are used to depict air pressure.

​H represents highest pressure (cool, dry)

​L represents lowest pressure (warm, humid)

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​Remember!!!

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​Air moves from a region of high pressure (cool air over water) to low pressure (warm air over land).

​How does this affect the weather...

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Multiple Choice

Low pressure will usually bring what kind of weather?

• Sunny
• Calm
• Stormy

Multiple Choice

High pressure will usually bring what kind of weather?

• clear and dry
• cloudy and wet

Multiple Choice

Which is the best indicator that precipitation is on the way?

• low pressure
• low humidity
• low temperature

Multiple Choice

What type of air pressure is present?

• High 
• Low