WHAT IS WEATHER?
Weather is the name given to the changing conditions of the atmosphere, or air, which surrounds the Earth. Weather conditions include wind, storm, rain, snow and sunshine
What is climate?
The average weather conditions over a long period of time - usually 10 to 30 years
Why do we have day and night?
During every 24 hours, the Earth spins around on its axis (an imaginary line joining the North pol, the center of the Earth and the South Pole), turning us towards the light of the sun and away again, thus giving us night and day.
What is atmosphere?
The mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth made uo of nitrogen, oxygen , water vapour and tiny amounts of other gases. Without these protective gases, human beings could not survive on the Earth. They protect us from the scorching rays of the Sun and from the icy chill of the night.
How is the atmosphere held around the Earth?
The force of gravity pulls the gases of the atmosphere towards the Earth preventing them from escaping into space.
Why do we have seasons?
The four seasons - spring, summer, autumn and winter - are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis. As the Earth moves around on its axis, different parts are tilted towards the sun for a few months at a time. The part leaning towards the sun has summer, whils the part leaning away has winter.
Which are the hottest and coldest times of the day?
The hottest time of the day is usually around 2 or 3 pm, while the coldest time is usually at sunrise.
Where are the hottest and coldest placed on Earth?
The tropical regions, close to the Equator, the hottest because the Sun's rays are most concentrated there. The coldest places are the North Pole and the South Pole, where the sun is so low in the sky that its power is spread over a vast area.
source: Wild Weather, Harry Ford and Kay Barnham
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