Weather Learning Targets

W.1 I can track energy and matter that circulates through earth’s systems.

• All Earth processes are the result of energy flowing and matter cycling within and among the planet’s systems.

• Water and air masses flow from regions of high pressure to low pressure,

• Areas near the equator receive the most direct solar energy, while areas at the poles receive less direct solar energy. (Radiation)

• Air and water at the equator tends to rise while fluids at the poles tend to sink and move towards the areas of low pressure.

• Radiation comes in the form of energy from the sun (EM Waves).

• Only about half of the sun’s radiation energy is actually absorbed by the ground. The rest is reflected by the atmosphere, clouds, and other surfaces (or absorbed by the atmosphere and clouds).

• After the ground absorbs the sun’s energy, it turns to thermal (heat energy). The ground then uses conduction to heat the air.

• Convection of air and water occurs when warmer, less dense fluids rise and cooler, more dense fluids replace them (sink).

• The jet stream is a fast moving current of air that can help predict the weather.

• Above the jet stream are cold air masses from the poles.

• Below the jet stream are warm air masses from the equator.

• Clouds and fronts tend to move with the jet stream.

• The Coriolis effect causes winds in the northern hemisphere to be deflected to the right. Storms in the northern hemisphere spin counterclockwise.

• The Coriolis effect causes winds in the southern hemisphere to be deflected to the left. Storms in the southern hemisphere spin clockwise.

• The Coriolis effect occurs because the equator is rotating (spinning) faster than the poles.

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W. 2  I can predict how the motion and interactions of air masses can change the weather.

• Weather is defined as temperature, pressure, humidity, precipitation, and wind at a fixed location.

• High pressure air in the atmosphere is typically marked by lower temperatures and higher densities.

• Low pressure air in the atmosphere is typically marked by higher temperatures and lower densities.

• Wind is caused by differences in pressure. Air moves from areas of high to low pressure.  The bigger the difference in air pressure, the faster the wind will be.

• Sudden changes in weather can result when different air masses collide. 

• The movement of water and energy in the atmosphere can determine weather patterns.

• The boundary between a warm and cool air mass often results in the formation of clouds and precipitation.

• A cold front occurs when a cold air mass runs into a warm air mass pushing it up. This results in abrupt storms/weather followed by clear skies with cooler temperatures.

• A warm front occurs when a warm air mass runs into a cool air mass and slowly rises above it. A warm front results in a broad area of clouds followed by warmer weather.

• Falling pressure results in rising air which results in clouds. formation/precipitation.

• Rising pressure results in clear skies because the air is sinking.

• Low pressure air rises. High pressure air sinks.

• The uneven heating of the earth’s surface can result in local and global wind patterns.

• Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Areas near water tend to have more humidity.

• A larger thunder storm will occur if there are warmer temperatures of the air by the ground, high humidity, and colder temperatures high in the atmosphere.

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W.3  I can describe how clouds form.

• Evaporation is caused by a gain in energy while condensation is caused by a loss of energy.

• Clouds are formed when warm, moist air rises. The warm air cools. Cool air holds less water vapor. This causes the air to reach its dew point. The water vapor condenses to form clouds. 

• Rising air results in cloud formation.

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W.4  I can describe the factors that impact climate.​

• Weather and climate are influenced by interactions involving sunlight, the ocean, atmosphere, ice, and landforms.  

• Latitude, altitude, and distance to water can impact climate.

• Higher altitudes/elevations tend to be colder.

• Lower latitudes tend to be warmer.

• Areas near water have warmer winters and cooler summers.

• The ocean exerts a major influence on weather and climate by absorbing energy from the sun, releasing it over time, and globally redistributing it through ocean currents.

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SEP2  I can use physical models, mathematical models, and online simulations  to represent and understand phenomena.

• Analyze data to create an accurate weather map

• Accurately create a weather map that shows weather elements and climate factors

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