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1. Introduction to the Weather
Weather changes on a day to day, even minute to minute basis. On the other hand climate is an average. This section is an introduction to the weather topic with clips on gathering data which is knowledge previously gained in S1/S2.
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Clips and Links
2. Factors Affecting Weather
This section is on the effect of latitude, relief, aspect and distance from sea on local weather conditions
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There are many factors which have an impact on the climate of an area.
Link to Pearson Drag and Drop Activity
1. Latitude or Distance from the Equator
Temperatures drop the further an area is from the equator due to the curvature of the earth. In areas closer to the poles, sunlight has a larger area of atmosphere to pass through and the sun is at a lower angle in the sky. As a result, more energy is lost and temperatures are cooler. In addition, the presence of ice and snow nearer the poles causes a higher albedo, meaning that more solar energy is reflected, also contributing to the cold.
Temperatures drop the further an area is from the equator due to the curvature of the earth. In areas closer to the poles, sunlight has a larger area of atmosphere to pass through and the sun is at a lower angle in the sky. As a result, more energy is lost and temperatures are cooler. In addition, the presence of ice and snow nearer the poles causes a higher albedo, meaning that more solar energy is reflected, also contributing to the cold.
2. Altitude or height above sea level
Areas at a higher altitude have colder temperatures. The temperature usually decreases by roughly 1°C for every 100 metres in altitude. This is why you are more likely to get snow at the top of mountains where the temperature is colder. To give an idea of altitude, the highest mountain in Scotland is Ben Nevis at 1344m, while Mount Everest is 8848m above sea level. Mountains can also force air to rise up over them. The air then cools and condenses to form clouds and then precipitation. This is why the West of Scotland is much wetter than the East.
Areas at a higher altitude have colder temperatures. The temperature usually decreases by roughly 1°C for every 100 metres in altitude. This is why you are more likely to get snow at the top of mountains where the temperature is colder. To give an idea of altitude, the highest mountain in Scotland is Ben Nevis at 1344m, while Mount Everest is 8848m above sea level. Mountains can also force air to rise up over them. The air then cools and condenses to form clouds and then precipitation. This is why the West of Scotland is much wetter than the East.
3. Aspect
In the Northern Hemisphere, south facing slopes are warmer as they receive far more sunlight than north facing ones. In addition to this, they are sheltered from the cold northerly winds which keeps them warmer. This tends to explain why corries are often found on North facing slopes as they are cooler and snow to collect.
4. Distance from the sea
The oceans heat up and cool down much more slowly than land. This means that coastal locations tend to be cooler in summer and warmer in winter than places inland at the same latitude and altitude. Glasgow, for example, is at a similar latitude to Moscow, but is much milder in winter because it is nearer to the coast than Moscow. A warm ocean current called the North Atlantic Drift keeps Britain warmer than it should. Our prevailing wind comes from the South West and so they bring warmth from the Atlantic.
The oceans heat up and cool down much more slowly than land. This means that coastal locations tend to be cooler in summer and warmer in winter than places inland at the same latitude and altitude. Glasgow, for example, is at a similar latitude to Moscow, but is much milder in winter because it is nearer to the coast than Moscow. A warm ocean current called the North Atlantic Drift keeps Britain warmer than it should. Our prevailing wind comes from the South West and so they bring warmth from the Atlantic.
Clips and Links
3. Air Masses
The characteristics of the five main air masses affecting the UK
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Clips and Links
4. Frontal Systems
The characteristics of weather associated with depressions and anticyclones
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