A Stevenson Screen, used to house a range of weather measuring instruments |
Measuring the Weather:
In order produce a climate graph you need to be able to record temperature and rainfall. How can we do this? Are temperature and rainfall the only aspects of the weather that we can measure?
This page from geographyalltheway gives you a lot of information on how we measure the weather, Copy and complete the table and then answer the question at the bottom of the page. You can then go on to look at how we use this information and create a climate graph using excel.
Where to locate a Stevenson Screen
You must know this. The word document below from GreenfieldGeography is an excellent summary.
Learn it!
Why do we use a Stevenson Screen?
Instrument | Image | Definition | How to use and where to locate. |
Wind Vane |
It is a mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind |
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Anemometer |
A device used to measure wind speed. |
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Whirling psychrometer |
The whirling Psychrometer is an instrument for the measurement of the temperature and humidity of the air. It consists of two thermometers exposed side by side. |
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Barometer |
A Barometer is used to measure air pressure. Pressure is shown in Millibars. |
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Hygrometer |
A Hygrometer is used to measure humidity, the moisture content of the air.
A wet dry bulb thermometer is also used to measure humidity. |
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Max/Min Thermometer |
The thermometer indicates the current temperature, and the highest and lowest temperatures since last reset. |
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Rain Gauge |
The standard rain gauge consists of a funnel emptying into a graduated cylinder, 2 cm in diameter, which fits inside a larger container which is 20 cm in diameter and 50 cm tall. If the rainwater overflows the graduated inner cylinder, the larger outer container will catch it. |
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This pdf contains an excellent summary of how to measure the weather using the equipment above.
Climate Graphs:
Climate graphs are used to show the precipitation and temperature for a given location. Here you can find climate graphs for a number of different locations. Pick one and describe it in detail. Your description should include, maximum, minimum and average temperature, the temperature range, wettest and driest month, and average rainfall. You should also try to identify seasons, for example, is there an obvious wet and dry season, is the climate constant all year round or does the area have a climate similar to ours with 4 distinct seasons.
The BBC Bitesize website has a good summary of how to use a climate graph.
Climate Graphs for the Earth’s Biomes.
Using this website, summarize the climate characteristics for each of the major Biomes. Your summary should include climate graphs, maps and a brief description of the climate including mean annual temperature and precipitation, as well as any seasonal variation.
I spy clouds:
Using the information on this page, create an eye spy clouds game for young children. Using pictures and simple language, you should describe the cloud and how it forms as well as any other information you feel is relevant. Here is an example of an eye spy game