Weather and climate

Weather

Weather means the short-term condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time.

Elements of Weather

The main elements of weather are:

Temperature

Air pressure

Wind

Humidity

Cloudiness

Rainfall / Precipitation

Example:

If today it is hot, humid and rainy, that is the weather condition of today.2. Climate

Climate means the average weather condition of a place over a long period (usually 30 years or more).

Example:

Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate.

Difference Between Weather and Climate

Weather

Climate

Short-term condition

Long-term average

Changes quickly

Changes slowly

Measured daily

Studied over many years

3. Atmosphere

The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding the Earth.

Composition of the Atmosphere

Gas

Percentage

Nitrogen

78%

Oxygen

21%

Argon

0.93%

Carbon dioxide

0.04%

Other gases

Small amount

Importance of the Atmosphere

Protects Earth from harmful solar radiation

Maintains temperature

Provides oxygen for life

Helps in weather formation

4. Layers of the Atmosphere

1. Troposphere

Lowest layer

Height: about 818 km

All weather occurs here

2. Stratosphere

Above troposphere

Contains ozone layer

Ozone protects Earth from UV rays

3. Mesosphere

Temperature decreases again

Meteors burn here

4. Thermosphere

Very high temperature

Contains ionosphere

5. Exosphere

Outermost layer

Gradually merges with space

5. Temperature

Temperature means the degree of hotness or coldness of the air.

Factors Affecting Temperature

Latitude

Altitude

Distance from sea

Ocean currents

Cloud cover

Wind direction

Example:

Places near the equator are hotter.

6. Air Pressure

Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air on the Earth’s surface.

Types of Pressure

High Pressure

Low Pressure

Air always moves from high pressure to low pressure, creating wind.

7. Wind

Wind is the horizontal movement of air from high pressure to low pressure areas.

Types of Wind

Permanent winds

Trade winds

Westerlies

Polar winds

Seasonal winds

Monsoon winds

Local winds

Land breeze

Sea breeze

8. Humidity

Humidity means the amount of water vapor in the air.

Types of Humidity

Absolute humidity

Relative humidity

Specific humidity

High humidity makes the weather sticky and uncomfortable.

9. Clouds

Clouds are formed when water vapor condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals.

Main Types of Clouds

Cirrus thin and high clouds

Cumulus fluffy white clouds

Stratus flat layer clouds

Nimbus rain clouds

10. Precipitation

Precipitation means water falling from the atmosphere to the Earth.

Types of Precipitation

Rain

Snow

Sleet

Hail

Types of Rainfall

Convectional rainfall

Orographic rainfall

Cyclonic rainfall

11. Importance of Weather and Climate

Weather and climate affect:

Agriculture

Human settlement

Transportation

Economy

Natural vegetation

Example:

Bangladesh agriculture depends heavily on monsoon rainfall.

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