Weather and Climate Definitions

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Global Atmospheric Circulation
The worldwide movement of air which transports heat from tropical to polar latitudes
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Latitude
Distance north or south of the Equator. It is measured in degrees with the maximum being 90°N or 90°S
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Hemisphere
A half of the Equator. The northern hemisphere is above the Equator, the southern hemisphere is below the Equator.
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Troposphere
The lowest layer of the atmospere. It is thicker at the Equator (approx. 20km) than at the poles (approx 10 km)
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Depression
A low-pressure system that produces clouds, wind and rain.
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Ocean Current
A continuous, directed movement of ocean water. The currents are made from forces acting on the water such as the wind, different temperatures and the earth's rotation.
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ITCZ
Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone
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Trade Winds
Wind that blows steadily from the tropics towards the Equator. in the northern hemisphere, it is form the northeast and in the southern hemisphere from the southeast.
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Atmosphere
Gases that surround the Earth.
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Climate
The average temperature and precipitation figures for an area
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Weather
The da-to-day changes in temperature and precipitation.
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Greenhouse Gases
Gases that trap heat within the Earth's atmosphere.
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Greenhouse Effect
Natural process by which certain levels of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases absorb the sun's radiation and is reflected into the atmosphere. it warms the Earth's surface.
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Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
Also called climate change/ global warming. It is the impact on the global climate of the increased amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases that humans have released into the Earth's atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution.
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Climate Change
Long-term movement in the weather patterns and average temperatures experienced by the Earth.
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Global Warming
Gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
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Fossil Fuels
Naturally occuring fuel such as coal, oil and gas, formed from the remains the dead organisms over millions of years.
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Precipitation
Any form of moisture that reaches the Earth: rain, snow etc.
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Maritime
Influenced by the sea.
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Annual Temperature Range
The difference between the highest and lowest temperatures of a place in a year.
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Total Annual Rainfall
The sum of all the rainfall that falls in a year in an area.
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Ice Fairs
Amusements held on the River Thames during the Little Ice Age.
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Prevailing Wind
The direction from which the wind usually blows (SW in UK).
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Altitude
Height above sea level of an area.
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Ocean Currents
Warm movements of water (e.g. North Atlantic Drift).
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Latitude
Distance from the Equator.
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Prevailing Wind
The direction of the wind comes from usually.
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Distance from the Sea
Where a place is relative to the coast.
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Tropical Storms
Intense low-pressure weather systems, which can be destructive. Located within the Tropics, they can have sustained winds of over 75 mph and torrential rain.
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CERF
The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund
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Humanitarian Aid
Help given after a natural disaster to save lives and reduce suffering.
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FEMA
USA's Federal Emergency Management Agency
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Saffir Simpson
Used to measure strength and damage of tropical storms.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Distance north or south of the Equator. It is measured in degrees with the maximum being 90°N or 90°S

Back

Latitude

Card 3

Front

A half of the Equator. The northern hemisphere is above the Equator, the southern hemisphere is below the Equator.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

The lowest layer of the atmospere. It is thicker at the Equator (approx. 20km) than at the poles (approx 10 km)

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

A low-pressure system that produces clouds, wind and rain.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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