d. Meera could not drive fast due to low: i. precipitation ii. air pressure iv. visibility iii. temperature.
Answers
The Elements of Weather and Climate
What Are The Elements Of The Weather And Climate?
Weather is nothing more than the different elements it is composed of, as well as
the way they interact with each to create different atmospheric conditions or
weather events. We first need to identify what the elements are that make up the
weather. Eight primary elements/factors drive all weather:
1. Temperature
2. Air (Atmospheric) Pressure
3. Wind (Speed & Direction)
4. Humidity
5. Precipitation
6. Visibility
7. Clouds (Type & Cover)
8. Sunshine Duration
We can now look at each one in more detail.
1) Temperature
We all know what temperature is. When discussing the weather, this will probably
be one of the first topics that come up. It is because we are so sensitive to
temperature and quickly become aware of feeling cold or hot. We know what it feels
like, but what exactly is temperature?
What Is Temperature?
Temperature is a measurement of the amount of kinetic energy present in the air,
which manifests itself physically through the experience of heat or cold.
The scales typically used to measure temperature, is Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.
The instrument used to measure temperature is called a thermometer.
In more practical terms, it means that the particles in the air move or vibrate at a
certain speed, which creates kinetic energy. When the particles start to move/rotatearound faster, temperature increases. When the particles begin to slow down, the
temperature also starts to decrease.
Instrument for Measuring Temperature
The thermometer is the instrument used to measure temperature. They come in all
shapes and sizes and dates all the way back to 1714. The mercury, bimetal, and
digital thermometer are the 3 most commonly used instruments for measuring
ambient temperature.
2) Air Pressure
Air pressure is another essential element of weather, especially when it comes to
creating or changing atmospheric conditions. It is also one of the critical variables
used to make accurate weather forecasts.
What Is Air (Atmospheric) Pressure?
Air Pressure is the result of the pressure created by the weight of the air in the
Earth's atmosphere.
It is also called a barometric pressure, named after the instrument used to measure
air pressure.
Although it may not be visible, air has weight since it is not empty. It is filled with
small particles of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide and a few other gases.
The weight of the particles in the air creates pressure due to the gravitational force
of the Earth. Since more air is present above the air close to the ground, air pressure
is the highest on the planet's surface and decreases as altitude increase.
Instrument for Measuring Air Pressure
The barometer is the instrument used to measure air pressure. Evangelista Torricelli
developed the first device in 1643.
Like the thermometer, the barometer also comes in different forms. Some examples
include mercury, water, aneroid, and digital barometers.
3) Wind (Speed & Direction)The movement of air (wind) is one of the main driving forces of weather. The
majority of major and even extreme weather events like cold & warm fronts, clouds,
thunderstorms, and hurricanes are all driven by wind.
What Is Wind?
Wind is the large-scale movement of air from an area of high to an area of low
pressure in the atmosphere.
The speed and strength of wind are determined by the distance between the low-
pressure and high-pressure areas, as well as the difference in air pressure.
Instruments for Measuring Wind Speed and Direction
The anemometer is the instrument used to measure wind speed. Consisting of 3-4
half-cups on arms rotating around a central axis, you can typically find it on top of a
weather station or at an elevated position.
A wind vane (or weather vane) is the instrument used to measure wind direction. It
is a flat-shaped object that spins freely on an axis. Very often in the shape of an
arrow or cockerel, you can also find it on top of a weather station or highly elevated
objects. It is common to see them on top of roof chimneys, church towers, and even
Meera couldn't drive any faster because of the low visibility (option iv).
This happens because:
- This occurs because, in a cold climate, water droplets tend to condense in the air due to the low temperature. Fog is the name for this phenomenon.
- Dust particles present in the atmosphere bind to water droplets in the air.
- The more particulate matter in the air, the more smoke. It sticks to collected water droplets in the atmosphere, decreasing visibility. Smog is the name for this phenomenon. Fog + Smoke equals Smog.
- As a result, Meera is unable to drive faster owing to the presence of smog, which reduces visibility in the weather.