Weather and the Earth's Atmosphere Answers

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:The three main types of severe weather are thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Thunderstorms are severe storms that result from an unstable atmosphere, along with warm, moist air. They produce dangerous thunder, lightning, and sometimes hail. Tornadoes are twisting spirals of air that extend down to Earth’s surface. They most commonly develop from thunderstorms, but can also form when hurricanes hit land. Tornadoes occur mostly in the United States, during the spring and summer months. One of their greatest dangers is the unpredictability of their movement; they can change paths quickly, leaving people little time to prepare. Hurricanes are severe storms that form over warm ocean waters, typically in tropical regions. Depending on what region of the world you’re in, they may also be known as cyclones or typhoons. Hurricanes produce heavy rain and strong winds that can cause damage.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information. Meteorologists use thermometers to measure temperature, or how hot or cold the atmosphere is at a given place and time. A barometer is used to measure air pressure to watch for changes in pressure levels, which usually indicate that a change in weather is coming. Precipitation, such as rain or snow, is measured using a rain gauge. The gauge helps to determine how much precipitation fell over a given period of time. The most sophisticated instrument used by meteorologists is a weather satellite. A satellite orbits the Earth and collects data about the Earth’s atmosphere, such as the temperature or humidity of an area. They are very useful for tracking the movement of storms so that severe weather warnings can be issued to the public.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:The Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are two organizations that seek to help people in disaster situations. Once a natural disaster has occurred, they respond quickly, hoping to reduce the loss of human life and property. An even more important role filled by the Red Cross and FEMA is in preparing people for disasters before they even happen. They provide educational information for making homes safe and for preparing an action plan in case of disaster. This early prevention leads to more lives saved. The National Weather Service (NWS) monitors weather conditions and provides severe weather alerts when necessary. These early warnings also help to save people’s lives, giving them time to act before severe weather hits.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information:The three components that combine to influence and change weather are temperature, air pressure, and precipitation. Temperature refers to how hot or cold the atmosphere is at a given place and time. It is largely influenced by the Sun’s heating of the Earth’s surface. Temperature can be measured in two ways - the more commonly used Celsius scale, or the Fahrenheit scale. Air pressure is the pressure caused by the weight of the atmosphere. A change in air pressure can be an indicator that a change in weather is coming, so it is an important component to monitor. Precipitation is water that falls back to Earth’s surface. Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are common types of precipitation. The type of precipitation that falls depends on the temperature of the air that the water falls through.

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information. The first step in preparing for severe weather is to stay informed. This step involves gathering information about severe weather in the area in which you live. You might find out what types of severe weather are common in your area and how your town, city, or county alerts people about severe weather occurrences. The second step in preparing is to have a plan. This step involves planning how you might respond to various weather emergencies. You might determine where you should go to stay safe during severe weather or see that you have an evacuation plan in place if necessary. The third step in getting ready for severe weather is to be prepared. This step involves practicing your plan and getting supplies ready. You might conduct severe weather drills or evacuations, such as a tornado drill. You might also prepare an emergency supply kit, which includes extra food, water, and clothing, along with a list of emergency contacts.