Meteorology Study Guide 2010
Chapter 1
Objectives
1.1
Name the four main branches of earth science.
Discuss the relationship between earth science and ecology.
1.2
Identify the steps that make up scientific methods.
Explain how the meteorite-impact hypotheses developed.
1.3
Distinguish between a hypothesis, a theory, and a scientific law.
Describe the big bang theory of the origin of the universe.
List evidence for the big bang theory.

23 The Atmosphere
23.1 Characteristics of the Atmosphere
Objectives
Discuss the composition of the earth's atmosphere
Explain how two types of barometers work
Describe the layers of the atmosphere
Identify the weather conditions that increase the effects of air pollution

23.2 Solar Energy and the Atmosphere
Objectives
Explain how radiant energy reaches the earth
Describe how visible light and infrared energy warm the earth
Summarize the processes of radiation, conduction, and convection

23.3 Winds
Objectives
Describe the global patterns of wind
Describe some factors that create local wind patterns

24 Water in the Atmosphere
24.1 Atmospheric Moisture
Objectives
Explain how water vapor enters the air
Explain the meaning of humidity and describe how it is measured
Describe what happens when the temperature of air decreases at or below the dew point

24.2 Clouds and Fog
Objectives
List the conditions that must exist for a cloud to form
Identify the types of clouds
Describe four ways fog may form

24.3 Precipitation
Objectives
Describe the various types of liquid and solid precipitation
Compare the two processes that cause precipitation
Describe how rain may be produced artificially
Describe how precipitation is measured

Chapter 25: Weather
25.1: Air Masses
Objectives
1. Explain how an air mass forms.
2. List and describe the types of air masses that usually affect the weather of North
America
25.2: Fronts
Objectives
1. Compare the characteristic weather patterns of cold fronts with those of warm fronts.
2. Describe how a wave cyclone forms.
3. Describe the stages in the development of hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes
25.3: Weather Instruments
Objectives
1. Describe the types of instruments used to measure air temperature and wind speed.
2. Describe the instruments used to measure upper-atmospheric weather conditions.
25.4: Forecasting the Weather
Objectives
1. Explain how a weather map is made.
2. Describe the steps involved in preparing a weather forecast.

Chapter 26: Climate
26.1: Factors That Affect Climate
Objectives
1. Explain how latitude determines the amount of solar energy received on earth.
2. Describe how the different rates at which land and water are heated affect climate.
3. Explain the effects of topography on climate.

26.2: Climate Zones
Objectives
1. Name and describe the three types of tropical climates.
2. Compare subarctic and tundra climates.
3. List the various types of middle-latitude climates, and name the regions in which they are found
4. Explain why city climates may differ from rural climates.