Weather Patterns: A Look at How Weather Works

What is the main reason weather patterns exist?

• The uneven heating of the Earth by the sun

• The movement of the moon around the Earth

• The rotation of the Earth alone

• The amount of rainfall in different areas

Which of the following best describes how hurricanes form?

• They develop over warm ocean water and gain strength from moisture in the air

• They form when warm air from deserts meets cold ocean water

• They are created by the sudden rise of cold air from the mountains

• They happen when winds blow in circles over a dry area

How do weather satellites help meteorologists?

• They create storms to help scientists study them

• They measure ocean depth to understand hurricanes

• They observe weather patterns from space and help predict storms

• They change the direction of prevailing winds

What is El Niño?

• A strong wind that forms over the mountains and moves downhill

• A rise in ocean temperature that affects global weather patterns

• A type of seasonal monsoon that brings heavy rainfall

• A powerful tornado that forms over land

Why are katabatic winds sometimes dangerous?

• They bring cold air to the tropics and cause sudden snowstorms

• They can cause tornadoes to form in unexpected places

• They move quickly downhill, spreading wildfires and eroding rocks

• They slow down hurricanes and make them last longer

Reflection Question: How does understanding weather patterns help people in their daily lives?