Difference between revisions of "Weather"
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| − | '''Weather''' is a set of all the [[phenomena]] occurring in a given [[atmosphere]] at a given [[time]]. Most weather phenomena occur in the [ | + | '''Weather''' is a set of all the [[phenomena]] occurring in a given [[atmosphere]] at a given [[time]]. Most weather phenomena occur in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troposphere troposphere], just below the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratosphere stratosphere]. Weather refers, generally, to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity, whereas [[climate]] is the term for the average atmospheric conditions over longer periods of time. When used without qualification, "weather" is understood to be the weather of [[Earth]]. |
| − | Weather occurs due to [[density]] (temperature and moisture) [[differences]] between one place and another. These differences can occur due to the [[sun]] [[angle]] at any particular spot, which varies by [[latitude]] from the tropics. The strong temperature [[contrast]] between polar and tropical air gives rise to the [ | + | Weather occurs due to [[density]] (temperature and moisture) [[differences]] between one place and another. These differences can occur due to the [[sun]] [[angle]] at any particular spot, which varies by [[latitude]] from the tropics. The strong temperature [[contrast]] between polar and tropical air gives rise to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_stream jet stream]. Weather [[systems]] in the mid-latitudes, such as extratropical cyclones, are caused by instabilities of the jet stream [[flow]]. Because the Earth's [[axis]] is tilted [[relative]] to its orbital plane, sunlight is incident at different angles at different times of the year. On Earth's [[surface]], temperatures usually range ±40 °C (100 °F to −40 °F) annually. Over thousands of years, changes in Earth's orbit affect the amount and [[distribution]] of [[Sun|solar]] [[energy]] received by the Earth and influence long-term climate. |
[[Surface]] temperature [[differences]] in turn cause [[pressure]] differences. Higher altitudes are cooler than lower altitudes due to differences in compressional [[heat]]ing. Weather [[forecasting]] is the [[application]] of [[science]] and [[technology]] to [[predict]] the [[state]] of the [[atmosphere]] for a [[future]] time and a given location. The atmosphere is a [[chaotic]] system, so small changes to one part of the system can [[grow]] to have large effects on the system as a [[whole]]. Human attempts to [[control]] the weather have occurred throughout human [[history]], and there is [[evidence]] that human activity such as [[agriculture]] and industry has inadvertently modified weather [[patterns]]. | [[Surface]] temperature [[differences]] in turn cause [[pressure]] differences. Higher altitudes are cooler than lower altitudes due to differences in compressional [[heat]]ing. Weather [[forecasting]] is the [[application]] of [[science]] and [[technology]] to [[predict]] the [[state]] of the [[atmosphere]] for a [[future]] time and a given location. The atmosphere is a [[chaotic]] system, so small changes to one part of the system can [[grow]] to have large effects on the system as a [[whole]]. Human attempts to [[control]] the weather have occurred throughout human [[history]], and there is [[evidence]] that human activity such as [[agriculture]] and industry has inadvertently modified weather [[patterns]]. | ||
| − | [[Studying]] how the weather works on other planets has been helpful in [[understanding]] how weather works on Earth. A famous landmark in the [[Solar System]], [ | + | [[Studying]] how the weather works on other planets has been helpful in [[understanding]] how weather works on Earth. A famous landmark in the [[Solar System]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Red_Spot, Jupiter's Great Red Spot], is an anticyclonic storm known to have existed for at least 300 years. However, weather is not limited to planetary bodies. A [[star]]'s [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corona corona] is constantly being lost to [[space]], creating what is essentially a very thin [[atmosphere]] throughout the [[Solar System]]. The [[movement]] of [[mass]] ejected from the [[Sun]] is known as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_wind solar wind].[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather] |
[[Category: Ecology]] | [[Category: Ecology]] | ||
[[Category: Earth Science]] | [[Category: Earth Science]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:41, 13 December 2020
Weather is a set of all the phenomena occurring in a given atmosphere at a given time. Most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere, just below the stratosphere. Weather refers, generally, to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity, whereas climate is the term for the average atmospheric conditions over longer periods of time. When used without qualification, "weather" is understood to be the weather of Earth.
Weather occurs due to density (temperature and moisture) differences between one place and another. These differences can occur due to the sun angle at any particular spot, which varies by latitude from the tropics. The strong temperature contrast between polar and tropical air gives rise to the jet stream. Weather systems in the mid-latitudes, such as extratropical cyclones, are caused by instabilities of the jet stream flow. Because the Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plane, sunlight is incident at different angles at different times of the year. On Earth's surface, temperatures usually range ±40 °C (100 °F to −40 °F) annually. Over thousands of years, changes in Earth's orbit affect the amount and distribution of solar energy received by the Earth and influence long-term climate.
Surface temperature differences in turn cause pressure differences. Higher altitudes are cooler than lower altitudes due to differences in compressional heating. Weather forecasting is the application of science and technology to predict the state of the atmosphere for a future time and a given location. The atmosphere is a chaotic system, so small changes to one part of the system can grow to have large effects on the system as a whole. Human attempts to control the weather have occurred throughout human history, and there is evidence that human activity such as agriculture and industry has inadvertently modified weather patterns.
Studying how the weather works on other planets has been helpful in understanding how weather works on Earth. A famous landmark in the Solar System, Jupiter's Great Red Spot, is an anticyclonic storm known to have existed for at least 300 years. However, weather is not limited to planetary bodies. A star's corona is constantly being lost to space, creating what is essentially a very thin atmosphere throughout the Solar System. The movement of mass ejected from the Sun is known as the solar wind.[1]
