SME
Grade 12 Science
The atmosphere: structure, air pressure, wind and severe weather
The main lesson, then each kind of problem it solves.
The atmosphere: structure, air pressure, wind and severe weather
Main lesson
Highs, lows and the pressure gradient
Use this for “A 1,024 hPa high and a 996 hPa low are 700 km apart. What is the pressure gradient, and which way does the wind blow round the low?”
Relative humidity
Use this for “Air holds 6 g of water vapor per kg and could hold 15 g. What is its relative humidity?”
The height of a cloud’s base
Use this for “The air is 24 °C with a dew point of 12 °C. How high is the cloud base?”
How a hurricane grows and dies
Use this for “Put the stages of a hurricane in order. Why does it weaken over land?”
Which air mass is it?
Use this for “Which air mass brings hot, humid summer weather to the southeastern United States?”