2.4 Weather
| 2.4 Weather | |
| Candidates should be able to:Describe how weather data are collected Make calculations using information from weather instruments Use and interpret graphs and other diagrams showing weather and climate data | Further GuidanceDescribe and explain the characteristics, siting and use made of a Stevenson Screen Rain gauge, maximum-minimum thermometer, wet-and-dry bulb thermometer (hygrometer), sunshine recorder, barometer, anemometer and wind vane, along with simple digital instruments which can be used for weather observations; observations of types and amounts of cloud |
Key words
- Weather : short term day to day changes in the atmosphere for a place.
- Climate : the average weather conditions over a period of time (at least 30 years)
- Stevenson screen : wooden box designed to protect weather measuring instruments from rainfall and direct heat
Characteristics, siting, and uses of a Stevenson Screen
Siting
- Away from artificial source of heat
- Open area
- fence
- Grass
- Legs
Characteristics
- Roof
- Door facing south
- wooden slats
- Painted white
Thermometer, hygrometer, barometer
Activity – guess features (siting + characteristics)
Activity – guess ANSWERS
Cloud type and cover
Exam Q’s
Describe the clouds shown at X and Y in Fig. 3.2 (4)
From mock..
- Explain how the features of the Stevenson Screen ensure that the information collected by these instruments is accurate [4 Marks]
- Describe how information about the amount of rainfall is collected at a weather station [3 Marks]
.1. Rain gauge is used to collect rainfall
2. Water is poured into a measuring cylinder to be measured
3. The gauge should be in open area and not sheltered by buildings/trees
- (Each feature + factor = 1 mark)
- Painted white to reflect sunlight
- Sides have slats to allow air to circulate
- Raised more than 1m so that instruments aren’t affected by heat from ground
- Has roof so no rain and direct heat affects instruments
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