Weather

01 May 2023 10:02

Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, including
temperature, precipitation, wind, and humidity. It is determined by various elements such
as temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, precipitation, humidity, visibility, clouds,
and duration of sunshine. Weather can be tracked and forecasted using weather satellites,
Doppler radar, and weather instruments.

Element of Weather Instrument to Measure Unit of Measure

Temperature Six’s thermometer 0Celsius /0Fahrenheit

Precipitation Rain Gauge mms, cms, inches

Wind Direction Wind vane Cardinal points
Wind speed Anemometer Kms per hour/ mph
Atmospheric Pressure Barometer millibars
Humidity Hygrometer percentage
Cloud Cover Cloud mirror/ pyrometer/ceilometer oktas
Solar duration Campbell–Stokes recorders Hours

Temperature- a measure of the amount of kinetic energy in the air that manifests
physically as heat or cold.
Precipitation- It is water in all of its forms, which is generated when water vapor
condenses into a solid form and falls to the earth when it gets too heavy to remain
suspended in the air.
Wind- Air movement is responsible for the bulk of major and even extreme weather
occurrences such as cold and warm fronts, clouds, thunderstorms, and hurricanes.
Atmospheric Pressure- The pressure formed by the weight of air in the Earth's atmosphere.
Humidity- It refers to the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.
Cloud cover- Clouds are water droplets or water in various states (such as ice and snow
crystals) that form when water vapor reaches a point where it can no longer continue in a
gaseous state.
Solar duration- The length of time the Earth's surface is directly exposed to solar radiation.

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Climate
01 May 2023 10:03

Climate refers to the average weather pattern in a place over several decades. It can differ
in various regions and is expected to change as global climate changes. The climate is
based on long-term weather records and is dependent on larger areas such as national
territories. The primary elements/factors that drive climate include temperature, sea
currents, wind direction, latitude, altitude, atmospheric pressure, and wind.

What impacts the climate-

how near or far it is from the Equator
how near or far it is from the sea
how high or low the ground is
its position on a continent

Climate scientists (called climatologists) have sorted Earth’s regional climates into
categories, or zones, based mostly on average temperatures and precipitation. These are the
characteristics that determine whether a region is a tundra, a desert, or a rainforest.

• The primary cause of a region’s climate is its latitude. At and near the equator (low
latitudes), the Sun’s rays hit Earth’s surface almost head-on all year long. At the Poles
(high latitudes), the sunlight hardly reaches the surface at all half the time, and when it
does, it passes through the atmosphere at a steep angle. In the mid-latitudes, the climate
is more moderate, with the angle of the Sun and length of day changing throughout the
seasons.

• Each year, there are two solstices, a winter solstice, and a summer solstice. On the
winter solstice, the North Pole is dark the entire day whereas the South Pole is light.
Vice versa occurs on the summer solstice.

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Differences
01 May 2023 18:54

Sl. No. Weather Climate

1. The day-to-day information of Climate is the statistical information
atmospheric changes in a particular area of the average weather condition of a
at a specific time is called weather. specific region for more than 30
years.
2. The weather of a place includes the The climate of a country or zone
short-term atmospheric condition. Also, includes the long-term average
these atmospheric conditions can change atmospheric conditions. Thus, the
within a short period like minutes, hours, climate is average weather
days, etc. information observed over decades.
3. The atmospheric elements of weather are When the atmospheric elements of
air pressure, humidity, wind, weather are observed over the
temperature, rain, cloudiness, storms, decades, those become the affecting
snow, precipitation, etc. These conditions of climate. These
conditions can affect the weather of the conditions can include temperature,
place within a short time. humidity, wind, etc.
4. The weather of a particular location can The climate of a country significantly
impact day-to-day human life like impacts industries, agriculture, the
occupation, transportation, livelihood of the inhabitants of that
communication, agriculture, etc. geographical locale.
5. Weather conditions change very Climate conditions change over a
frequently. long period.
6. The meteorological department of a Institutes of climate studies observe
place observes the changes in weather and predict the changes in climate.
conditions. The study of weather This study is called climatology.
forecasting is known as meteorology.

Impact of Climate
Climate has numerous impacts on people, ranging from direct effects on human health to more
indirect effects on food and water resources. Rising temperatures, changes in precipitation
patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events can all have negative impacts on human
health. For example, heat waves can cause heat exhaustion and even death, while droughts can
lead to food and water shortages, malnutrition, and famine. Additionally, changes to ecosystems
can affect the spread of diseases, such as those carried by mosquitoes, which can lead to higher
rates of illnesses like malaria and dengue fever. Therefore, it is important to take action to limit
global temperature rise and adapt to the impacts of climate change to protect human health and
well-being.

Impact of Weather
Weather affects aviation, air quality, health, ground and marine transportation, defence,
agriculture, fisheries, water, energy, construction, tourism, and many other sectors of the
economy. Even “good” weather can cause problems in this complex society; for example, one
unexpectedly warm winter day in the Northeast can cost utility companies millions of dollars a
day in unused energy.

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Global Climate Change
01 May 2023 19:05

Climate change is a long-term change in the average weather patterns that have come to
define Earth’s local, regional, and global climates.
Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth’s climate system observed since the pre-
industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel
burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere. The
term is frequently used interchangeably with the term climate change, though the latter
refers to both human- and naturally-produced warming and the effects it has on our
planet. It is most commonly measured as the average increase in Earth’s global surface
temperature.
This happens heavily because of the presence of greenhouse gases in excessive amounts.
They let the sun's heat enter the earth's atmosphere but do not allow it to leave.

Factors Affecting Climate Change

• Shape of the land (Relief/Topography)- Refers to the shape of the land. Latitudes and
elevation ranges are one of the factors that lead to fluctuation in surface temperatures.
It can lead to local changes in climate.
Eg- Climate can be affected by mountains. Mountains receive more rainfall than low-
lying areas because as air is forced over the higher ground it cools, causing moist air
to condense and fall out as rainfall. The higher the place is above sea level the colder it
will be. This happens because as altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and is
less able to absorb and retain heat. That is why you may see snow on the top of
mountains all year round.

• Distance from the Equator: The distance from the equator affects the climate of a
place. At the poles, energy from the sun reaches the Earth's surface at lower angles
and passes through a thicker layer of atmosphere than at the equator. This means the
climate is cooler further from the Equator. The poles also experience the greatest
difference between summer and winter day lengths: in the summer there is a period
when the sun does not set at the poles; conversely, the poles also experience a period
of total darkness during winter. In contrast, day length varies little at the equator.

• Sea level: One of the influential factors affecting a region’s climate is the distance from
the sea and nearby water bodies. The surface temperatures in Sea affect land
temperatures. Coastal areas are cooler and wetter than internal areas. This leads to
cloud formation when warm air from these interior areas meets cool air from the sea.

• Ocean currents: These can transfer heat energy from land to sea or vice versa, hence
influencing the temperature of the region.
Example- The Gulf Stream keeps the west coast of Europe free from ice in the winter
and, in the summer, warmer than other places of similar latitudes. It is because it is
closer to the equator, is warm, and has higher air temperature. The air that flows to
Britain is thus, also warm.

• Prevailing winds: Winds scatter specific air masses. The climate of a region can be
dependent on the direction of the wind as the wind from the humid region could bring
cool air while that from the dry region would bring hot air.
Example- Winds that blow from the sea often bring rain to the coast and dry weather to
inland areas. Winds that blow to Britain from warm inland areas such as Africa will be
warm and dry.

Gases responsible for greenhouse

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Gases responsible for greenhouse
1. Methane
2. Carbon dioxide – respiration, volcanic eruptions, human activities (deforestation)
3. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
4. Nitrogenous fibers – use of commercial and organic fertilizers, fossil fuels combustion,
biomass burning

Natural causes of global warming

• Volcanic eruptions
• Climate change
• Natural geysers
• Tilt of the earth (earth axis)
• Solar variations

Human causes of Global warming

• Industrial waste (factory emissions)

• CFCs (refrigerators, AC)
• Deforestation
• Transportation (vehicle emissions, trade)
• Burning of fossil fuels
• Burning of non-biodegradable waste
• Use of methane gas
• Melting of permafrost
• Landfills (if not properly managed)
• Burning of garbage
• Organic waste

Impacts of Global Warming

1) Melting of ice caps at the poles - increase in sea/ocean levels - increased coastal flooding
2) Melting of glaciers on mountains - excessive water in rivers - river flooding
3) More weather-related disasters
a) precipitation - floods, droughts, blizzards
b) temperature - forest fires, heat waves
c) low atmospheric pressure- hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones
d) wind - sandstorms
4) change in flora (vegetation) and fauna (animals and insects)
5) Migration of animals and birds
(Animals can either migrate or adapt)
6) Increase in the breeding of insects leading to more diseases
(COVID, Ebola, swine flu. malaria, dengue, chicken guniya)
7)Oceans become more acidic because of greater water evaporation and greater absorption
of CO2- plankton will die - the marine ecosystem will affect- fewer corals
8) Breeding patterns of animals, fish, and birds will change
9) Extinction of some species of fauna and evolution of new species because of adaptation
and cross-breeding.
10) Agriculture will be affected and there may be a food crisis
11) Melting of permafrost

Role (actions)/solutions to fight climate change

• Sustainable approach (government laws and intervention)
• Spread awareness, educating citizens (taking up responsibilities)
• Afforestation- reduce deforestation
• Recycle/reuse/reduce
• Reducing carbon footprint (reduce fossil fuel burning)
• High Carbon tax
• Solid waste management
• Renewable resources- Using sustainable energy such as using solar panels as means

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 • Renewable resources- Using sustainable energy such as using solar panels as means
to generate electricity will reduce reliance on fossil fuels
• Energy efficient resources-: LED, electric cars, CNG for reducing vehicle emissions
• Using decomposers and incinerators
• Tropical forest restoration
• CSR- Corporate Social Responsibility (green construction)
• Government action (Global conferences on fighting climate change like Kyoto Protocol
and Paris Agreement)

Organizations that are involved or Efforts by organizations- In combatting Climate change

• Green Peace Organization
• UNEP
• Rio Earth Summit 1992
• Paris Agreement on Climate Change
• Kyoto Protocol

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Case Study
01 May 2023 19:31

Ways to Combat Negative Impacts of Climate Change

1. Afforestation is the most cost-effective strategy to combat the negative impacts of climate
change. It would majorly produce oxygen in the air and purify it in abundance by consuming in
carbon dioxide. Several respiratory diseases caused by climate change could easily be cured by a
healthy supply of oxygen.
2. Rainwater harvesting is a simple way to sustain against droughts caused by climate change.
Climate change often causes little or no precipitation. This is because of major evaporation and less
condensation. Rainwater harvesting, thus, is a crucial activity to do during the crisis of climate
change.
3. Using public transport more often is something everyone must do. Several cars blow up because
of excessive heat in the atmosphere. Vehicles produce a lot of greenhouse gases. Reducing the
number of vehicles used every moment will result in lower temperatures. This would not only save
lives but contribute to solving the climate change crisis as well.
4. Education might not look like a way to conquer this crisis but it heavily does solve it. Educating
people about the causes, impact, and solutions for climate change will impact their choices, and
contributions from every human one by one will lead to the solutions being mass practiced. They will
change their choices of simple lifestyle habits which most don't even realise affect the climate.

Impacts of Weather & Climate on the Agriculture and Fashion Industry

The fashion and Agriculture industries are both co-related. Agricultural industries give you the
material to proceed within the fashion industry. You need to know about the weather and, more
importantly, the climate of a place for you to decide to get involved in those industries.
Agriculture, the rearing of plants and animals, is vital for humans and thus, a majorly practiced
industry. Every living being has an adaptation requirement. The climate of a place must be
studied well for the agricultural industries because of the latter reason. You cannot make a plant
or an animal survive with its absolute potential unless it is comfortable with its surroundings. You
can't grow cotton in a dry region, it must be humid and moist, and you need to study places
compatible with the growth of cotton. That is why, understanding the concepts of weather and
climate is much needed for the agricultural industry.
The fashion industry studies weather and climate to know if a certain region is sufficient for
working to reach its goal. Different types of clothes are worn for different weather/ climate. You
need to know the requirements of those clothes before producing them. And to produce them,
you will need the raw material. If you need rubber to make monsoon season clothing essentials,
you will want to base the industry where there are evergreen forests. That would ensure that you
have a humid and rainy climate for people to want your clothing products as well as you have the
resources to produce your product. Thus, understanding the concepts of weather and climate is
essential for the fashion industry, too.

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Weather Related Disasters
01 May 2023 19:38

FLOODS

A flood occurs when a river bursts its banks and the water spills onto the floodplain.
Flooding tends to be caused by heavy rain: the faster the rainwater reaches the river
channel, the more likely it is to flood. The nature of the landscape around a river will
influence how quickly rainwater reaches the channel.

CAUSES: -
Natural
• Heavy rainfall
• Prolonged rainfall
• Melting of snow due to global warming
• Natural disasters; underwater earthquakes (storm surges)
• Area having impermeable rocks- does not allow water to seep in.
Man-made;
• Deforestation
• Climate change
• Urbanization
• Irresponsible damming
• Improper drainage system.

Impact: -
• Crop Destruction
• Property damage
• Spread of diseases
• Loss of human life
• Mass migration
• Soil erosion
• Power cuts
• Communication/ transportation is disrupted

Solution: -
• Modify homes and businesses to withstand floods (make a few tall houses for the
protection of people from drowning.)
• People in low-lying areas should use a lot of vegetation to help break the power of
moving floodwater
• Introduce water storage areas (Construction of dams for storing water)
• Widening riverbanks

River Flood Management

• Afforestation in the upper and middle course for the roots to absorb sub-soil water
• Building dams – at the end of the upper course and the start of the middle course,
because that is the narrowest point to control the volume and velocity of the water.
Dams for multi-purpose projects – reservoir – used for generating electricity, lakes,
canals
• Making irrigation canals (new river channels) in the middle course to divert excess
water. Like – Indra Gandhi's canals

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 water. Like – Indra Gandhi's canals
• Making Levees and embankments in a middle course on the bend of meanders to
minimize erosion.
• Avoiding construction close to the riverbanks in the middle course.
• Periodically dredging of the riverbed (desilting) to deepen the river. Dredging of the
riverbed can be done in the middle course
• Maintaining wetlands in the lower course
• Monitoring Meteorological predictions of rainfall
• Marking the danger level and danger signs for public warnings
• Maintaining hydrograph to find out the lag time (the difference between the input of
water and discharge of water)
• Maintaining the permeability of the soil along the banks of the river.

DROUGHTS
A drought is a prolonged period of abnormally dry weather that leads to a shortage of
water. It occurs when there is a lack of precipitation or when high temperatures cause
water to evaporate quickly, leading to a deficit in soil moisture and reduced stream flow.
Droughts can have severe impacts on agriculture, with crops and livestock suffering from
water shortages. They can also lead to wildfires, dust storms, and water shortages for
human consumption. Droughts can occur naturally, but climate change is expected to
increase their frequency and severity in many parts of the world.

Causes:-
1)Land and water temperature increases (Global warming)
2) Failure of Monsoon
3) Moisture level in Soil
4)Air circulation and weather patterns
5) Over-extraction of water
6) Overpopulation

Impacts:-
1)Anxiety or depression about economic loss
2)Unsuitable conditions for plants and vegetation survival(biodiversity)
3)Greater chance of heat strokes
4)High chances of famines
5) Chances of Wildfire

Solutions:-
1) Reduce human activities that cause global warming
2) Decrease in Carbon Footprint
3) Rainwater harvesting
4) Recycling/Waste water management
5)Droughts resistance crops can be grown

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