Unit - 2

Weather and Climate

Learning Objectives
▶ To understand the importance of weather and climate
▶ To learn about the nature of the elements of weather and climate.
▶ To know the instruments used for measuring weather elements
▶ To be able to recognize the kind of weather and climate of a place

Introduction in which we live and work, farming, sailing,

fishing, modern transport and even our play
Climate is one of the basic elements in time etc. Hence one should have knowledge
the natural environment. It affects landforms, about the weather and climate. So, in this
soil types, fauna and flora. It influences man chapter we are going to learn about weather
to a large extent. and climate, its elements and how they
In a small village in Dharmapuri district, influence our lifestyle.
Tamil nadu, in the month of May, Yuktha
enjoys her vacation with her brother and Weather
family. She always wears cotton cloths. Her Weather is the day today conditions(state)
mother makes food like porridge, buttermilk, of the atmosphere at any place as regards
lemonade, watermelon etc which suits to sunshine, temperature, cloud cover, wind
summer. At the same time (In May month) fog condition, air pressure, humidity,
Tiya who lives in Auckland, New Zealand precipitation and such other elements. It
with her father and mother wear fleece jacket, refers to short periods like a day, a week,
jeans, gloves and socks. Her mother makes hot a month or a little longer and as such the
food like sandwich, salmon, oatmeal, soups weather changes from time to time in a day
etc. Yuktha celebrates Christmas with friends and one period to the other in an year. In the
in winter, where as Tiya celebrates Christmas
during summer. Can you think of why? Earth's atmosphere is a layer of
gases surrounding the planet
Yuktha and Tiya stay in two different
earth and retained by the earth's
hemispheres and have different way of life.
gravity. It contains about 78%
This is because of the difference in weather
nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.97%
condition of those places.
argon, 0.03% carbon dioxide and 0.04% trace
Weather and climate influence man’s amounts of other gases and water vapour.
activities like what we eat, wear, the house
95

TN_GOVT_VIII_Std_Geography_Unit II_updated.indd 95 04-03-2023 15:37:36

 Find out Scientific study of weather is
called Meteorology and the
Do all the planets in the solar system have
scientific study of climate is
atmosphere?
called climatology.
morning the weather might be sunny with a
clear sky in a place and evening there might hence the climate is very hot and almost no
be clouds and rain. Similarly the weather is winters. The difference in temperature makes
cool in winter and hot in summer. the air and water move in currents. Warm air
We often hear people saying “Today the rises and creates more space for air beneath,
climate is good or bad”. It is incorrect to say while cool air settles down.
like that. Instead it has to be said that the
weather is good or bad. We could observe ACTIVITY
the television news readers saying weather
Discuss in the class room how
report and not the climate report for e.g.
altitude, distribution of land and
cricket match have been postponed due to
water bodies, direction of mountain
bad weather etc.
ranges, air pressure, winds and ocean
currents affect weather/climate.
Climate
Climate is generally defined as the
average conditions (state) of the weather of  lements of weather and
E
a place or a region. The average atmospheric climate
conditions are determined by measuring the
Temperature, rainfall,
weather elements for a long period of time
air pressure, humidity and
which is usually for 35 years. The elements of
wind are the major elements
weather and climate are the same. The climate
of weather and climate.
does not change often like weather.

The word Climate is derived a) Temperature

from the ancient Greek
word "Klimo" which means
"Inclination".

Controlling factors of weather

and climate
Angle of the sun’s rays, the length of
daytime, altitude, distribution of land and
water bodies, location and direction of
mountain ranges, air pressure, winds and
ocean currents are the major factors which Thermometer
affect the weather and climate of a region. Temperature is one of the key elements
The earth is spherical in shape. So, the of weather and climate. The earth and its
sun’s rays fall unevenly on the earth’s surface. atmosphere get heated from the sun through
The Polar regions receive slanting sun’s rays. insolation. The degree of heat present in the
Hence there is little or no sunlight, thus there air is termed as temperature. Apart from
is an extreme cold winters. Vertical sun’s ray’s sun’s rays, the heat in air also depends
fall directly on regions around the equator, the atmospheric mass to a small extent.
96 Weather and Climate

TN_GOVT_VIII_Std_Geography_Unit II_updated.indd 96 04-03-2023 15:37:37

 Distribution of weather elements are shown by means of Isolines on maps. Isolines
are those which join the places of equal values. Isolines are given different names
based on the weather element they represent.

Isotherm Equal temperature

Isocryme Equal lowest mean temperature for a specified period
Isohel Equal sunshine
Isollobar Equal pressure tendency showing similar changes over a given time
Isobar Equal atmospheric pressure
Isohyet Equal amount of rainfall

Temperature varies with time due to changes c) Measuring Temperature

in the level of radiation which reach the earth The temperature of a unit volume of
surface. This is due to motions of the earth air at a given time is measured in scales
(The rotation and revolution) and inclination like Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.
of the earth’s axis. Meteorologist measures the temperature
by the Thermometer, Stevenson screen and
The temperature influences the level
minimum and maximum Thermometer.
of humidity, the process of evaporation,
The energy received by the earth through
condensation and precipitation.
insolation is lost by outgoing radiation.
Heat energy from solar radiation Atmosphere is mainly heated by outgoing
is received by the earth through three radiation from 2 to 4pm .So the maximum
mechanisms. They are radiation, conduction temperature is recorded between 2 and 4
and convection. The Earth's atmosphere is pm regularly and minimum temperature is
heated more by terriestrial radiation than recorded around 4 am before sunrise.
insolation.
Mean Temperature

Temperature varies both The average of maximum and minimum

horizontally and vertically. temperatures within 24 hours is called mean
Temperature decreases with daily temperature [(87oF+73oF)/2=80oF].
increasing height is known as Lapse Diurnal range of temperature is the
rate which is 6.5 degree celsius per difference between the maximum and
1000 meters in troposphere . minimum temperatures of a day. Annual
range of temperature is the difference
between the highest and lowest mean monthly
temperatures of a year. The distribution of
b)  Factors affecting the
temperature is shown by means of Isotherms.
distribution of temperature Isotherms are imaginary lines which connect
the same temperatures of different places.
Latitude, altitude, landforms, ocean
currents, prevailing winds, and distance from
the sea, natural vegetation and soil are the d) Heat zones of the earth
major factors which affect the distribution of The fact that the earth is spherical in
temperature. shape results in different parts of the earth

Weather and Climate 97

TN_GOVT_VIII_Std_Geography_Unit II_updated.indd 97 04-03-2023 15:37:37

 getting heated differently.Based on the heat Frigid Zone
received from the sun, Earth is divided into The frigid zone lies between the Arctic
three heat zones. They are circle and the North Pole and between the
Antartic circle and the South Pole.This
Torrid Zone region also known as Polar region.Since
It is a region between the tropic of cancer it receives the extremely low temperature
and the tropic of Capricorn. This region throughout the year,these regions are covered
receives the direct rays of the sun and gets with snow.
the maximum heat from the sun.This zone Highest Temperature
known as the torrid or the tropical zone ever recorded
Temperate zone The highest temperature ever recorded on the
earth is 56.7°C (134°F). It was recorded on
This zone lies between the Tropic of
10th July 1913 at Greenland Ranch of Death
cancer and the Arctic circle in the Northern
Valley, California, USA.
Hemisphere and between the Tropic of
Capricorn and the Antartic circle in the Lowest Temperature
southern Hemisphere.This zone gets the ever recorded
slanting rays of the sun and the angle of the
The lowest temperature ever recorded on the
sun’s rays goes on decreasing towards the
earth is −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F; 184.0 K). It was
poles.Thus this zone experiences moderate recorded on 21st July, 1983 at Soviet Vostok
temperature. Station in Antarctica.
180 165 150 135 120 105 90 75 60 45 30 15 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180

HEAT ZONES OF THE WORLD N

W E
S

Frigid zone
75 75

Arcc circle (66 30’)

60 60

45 Temperate zone 45

30
Tropic of cancer (23 30’) 30

15 Torrid zone 15

0 Equator(0 ) 0

Torrid zone
15
Tropic of capricorn (23 30’) 15

30 30

45
Temperate zone 45

Antarcc circle (66 30’)

Not to Scale
Frigid zone
180 165 150 135 120 105 90 75 60 45 30 15 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180

98 Weather and Climate

TN_GOVT_VIII_Std_Geography_Unit II_updated.indd 98 04-03-2023 15:37:38

 Rainfall The weight of air above a given area on the
earth’s surface is called atmospheric pressure
Rain is a liquid water in the form of droplets or air pressure. The air pressure is measured by
that have condensed from atmospheric water Barometer. The standard air pressure at sea
vapour and then become heavy enough to fall level is 1013.25mb. At the earth’s surface the
under gravity. Rain is a major component of the pressure is 1.03kg.per sq cm. The variation in
water cycle and is responsible for depositing standard atmospheric pressure is found both
most of the fresh water on the Earth. It is horizontally and vertically. Based on the level
the source of water for all purposes. There is of pressure, it is categorised into low pressure
a close relationship between the temperature and high pressure. Low pressure area is an area
and rainfall distribution. Generally rainfall is in the atmosphere where the pressure is lower
high in the equatorial region and decreases than its surrounding areas. In this situation, the
gradually towards poles. Rainfall is measured wind from the surroundings blow towards the
by Raingauge. centre of low pressure. High pressure is an area
of atmosphere where the barometric pressure
is higher than its surrounding areas. In this
case, the wind from the centre of high pressure
blows towards the surrounding low pressure
areas. Low pressure system is marked as “L”
on weather map, where as the high pressure
system is marked as “H”. Low pressure systems
are also called as a depression and cyclones.
High pressure system is called anti cyclones.
Low pressure leads to cloudiness, wind, and
precipitation. High pressure leads to fair and
calm weather. Isobar is used to show the
distribution of air pressure.
Highest pressure ever
recorded.
Raingauge
The highest ever air pressure at
Air Pressure sea level was recorded at Agata,
Russia on 31st December, 1968. The pressure
was1083.8mb
Lowest pressure ever recorded
The lowest pressure of 870mb was recorded at
Typhoon Tip, near Guam, Mariana Island in
Pacific Ocean on 12th October, 1979.

Humans are not sensitive to small

variation in air pressure. But the small
variations in pressure that do exist largely
determine the wind and storm patterns
of the earth. The distribution of atmospheric
pressure is controlled by altitude, atmospheric
Aneroid Barometer temperature, air circulation, earth rotation,
water vapour, atmospheric storms etc.
Weather and Climate 99

TN_GOVT_VIII_Std_Geography_Unit II_updated.indd 99 04-03-2023 15:37:39

 Measuring air pressure Absolute Humidity is the mass or weight
of water vapour present per unit volume of
Meteorologist uses barometer/aneroid
air. It is expressed usually in grams per cubic
barometer to measure the air pressure.
meter of air.
Barograms are used for recording continuous
variation in atmospheric pressure. Relative humidity is a ratio between
the actual amount of water vapour present
Why Do Your Ears Pop in Airplanes? in the air and the maximum amount of water
As you go up in an airplane, the atmospheric vapour it can hold at a given temperature. It is
pressure becomes lower than the pressure expressed as a percentage.
of the air inside your ears. Your ears pop Generally, warm air holds more water
because they are trying to equalize or match vapour than the cold air. When relative
the pressure. The same thing happens when humidity reaches 100%, the air gets saturated.
the plane is on the way down and your In this condition the temperature is said to be
ears have to adjust to a higher atmospheric at dew-point. Further cooling will condense the
pressure. water vapour into the clouds and rain. Relative
humidity affects human health and comfortness.
Very high and very low humidity are injurious
to health. It also affects the stability of different
Humidity
objects, buildings and electrical applications.
Humidity refers to the degree of water
vapour present in the atmosphere in gaseous Measurement of Humidity
form in particular time and place. It ranges Hygrometer is used to measure the
from 0-5 percent by volume in atmosphere. humidity. (which comprises wet and dry bulb-
Climatically it is an important constituent of plate side by side in the Stevenson screen)
the atmosphere and its quantity depends on the
level of temperature. So, the level of humidity Find out
decreases towards poles from equator. Humidity The effect of low and high humidity over
is expressed in different ways. Human beings in particular.

With decreasing air

pressure,the availability
of oxygen to breath also
decreases. At very high
altitudes, atmospheric
pressure and available oxygen get so low
that people can become sick and even
die. Mountain climbers use bottled oxygen
when they ascend very high peaks. They
also take time to get used to the altitude
Hygrometer as the quick move from high pressure to
low pressure can cause decompression
Specific humidity is a ratio of the water
sickness. Aircraft create artificial pressure
vapor content of the mixture to the total air
in the cabin which makes the passengers
content on a mass basis. It is expressed in
remain comfortable while flying.
grams of vapour per kilogram of air.

100 Weather and Climate

TN_GOVT_VIII_Std_Geography_Unit II_updated.indd 100 04-03-2023 15:37:39

 Wind Measuring wind direction and
speed
The horizontal movement of air is called
wind. Vertical movement of air is said as air Meteorologist measures wind direction
using wind vane or weather cock. Wind
current. The winds move from high pressure to
speed is measured by anemometer. Wind
low pressure. Unlike other elements a wind is
rose is a diagram used to depict the direction
made up of a series of gusts and eddies which and periods (No. of days) of prevailing winds
can only be felt and not seen. Winds get their on map. Meteorograph or triple register is
name from the direction from which they an instrument which records wind speed and
blow i.e, wind blows from south west is called direction, sunshine and precipitation. It also
southwest wind. provides graphic representation.
The wind systems are broadly categorized
into three as follows.
� Planetary winds
� Seasonal winds
� Local winds
Planetary Winds are the ones which
blow almost in the same direction throughout
the year. So, they are called as Permanent or
planetary winds. Trade winds, Westerlies and
polar easterlies are the types of prevailing
winds. Seasonal winds are those which Anemometer
change their direction according to season Brazil has a large area where
in a year. They are called as monsoon winds. the average wind speed is
These winds blow from sea to land during low. Gabon, Congo and DR
summer and land to sea during winter. Local Congo in Africa, Sumatra,
winds are the winds blow over a small area Indonesia and Malaysia are
the least windy places on earth.
only during a particular time of a day or a
short period of a year. Land and sea breezes
are example of these winds. Recap
The Beaufort scale is a scale for measuring �  eather is the day today condition of the
W
wind speed. It is based on observation rather atmosphere at any place. Climate is the
than accurate measurement. It is the most average weather condition (state) of a place
widely used system to measure wind speed for a long period and is usually for 35 years.
today. The scale was developed in 1805 by �  emperature, precipitation, pressure,
T
Francis Beaufort, an officer of the Royal Navy humidity and wind are the major elements of
and first officially used by HMS Beagle. weather and climate.
�  emperature is the degree of heat present in
T
Al-Balakhi, an Arab the air.
Geographer collected climatic �  e weight of air above a given area on the
Th
data from the Arab travellers earth’s surface is called atmospheric pressure
and prepared the First climatic or air pressure.
Atlas of the world.
� Horizontal movement of air is called wind.
Weather and Climate 101

TN_GOVT_VIII_Std_Geography_Unit II_updated.indd 101 04-03-2023 15:37:40

 GLOSSARY
Transfer of heat energy from one place to another through
Conduction
the substances that are in direct contact with each other வெப்பக்கடத்தல்
The process in which the water vapour changes into liquid
Condensation
form. ஆவிசுருங்குதல்
They are the wind circulation that develops when
Eddies the wind blows over or adjacent to rough terrain, buildings, சுழற்காற்று
mountains or other obstructions.
Humidity The amount of water vapour in the air ஈரப்பதம்
Insolation Incoming solar radiation சூரியக்கதிர்வீசல்
The transmission of heat energy from one body to the other
Radiation
body without any medium is called radiation கதிர்வீச்சு

Evaluation 2. Th
 e scientific study of weather is called ____.
3. The highest temperature ever recorded on
the earth is ______________.
I Choose the
4. ______________ is a ratio between the
correct answer
actual amount of water vapour and the
1. Earth's atmosphere maximum amount of water vapour the air
contains about can hold.
percentage of nitrogen 5. _____________ and_____________ are
and oxygen. measured by anemometer and wind vane
a) 78% and 21% b) 22% and 1% respectively.
c) 21% and 0.97% d) 10% and 20% 6. __________ are imaginary lines which
2.  is generally defined as the average connect the same temperatures of different
conditions of the weather of a place or a region. places.
a) earth b) atmosphere III Match the following
c) climate d) sun Locating and
1. Climate
Tracking Storms
3. The earth receives energy from .
2. Isonif Cyclone
a) current b) electro magnetic radiation
3. Hygrometer Equal Snowfall
c) waves d) heat
4. Radar Long Term Changes
4. Which one the following represents places
5. Low Pressure Humidity
with equal amount of rainfall
a)isotherm b) isohel IV State whether the following
c)isobar d) isohytes statements are True or False
5. is used to measure the humidity. 1. The atmosphere is a layer of gases
a) anemometer b) barometer surrounding the earth.
c) hygrometer d) thermometer 2. The Scientific study of weather is called
Climatology.
II Fill in the blanks 3. Isohel refers equal sunshine.
1. ______________ refers to the condition of 4. Humidity is calculated by Aneroid
atmosphere for a short period of time. Barometer.
102 Weather and Climate

TN_GOVT_VIII_Std_Geography_Unit II_updated.indd 102 04-03-2023 15:37:40

 V Answer briefly X Activities
1. Define ‘weather’. 1. Make weather instruments like wind vane
2. What is insolation? and rain gauge using web resources.
3. What is meant by atmospheric pressure? 2. Make mini-meteorological station model in
4. Write a short note on “Planetary winds” your school.
5. What are “Isolines”? 3. Observe and record the weather condition
of your place in the following table.
VI Distinguish between
1. Weather and climate. Date
2. Absolute and relative humidity. Place and Time
3. Permanent and seasonal winds. Temperature
Barometric pressure
VII Give reasons Precipitation type
1. The Weather and climate in different and amount
regions vary. Wind direction
2. Temperature decreases with increase in Wind speed
altitude. Source of information-
3. Mountain climbers carry oxygen
cylinders while ascending peaks.
REFERENCE BOOKS
VIII Answer in a paragraph
1. How is temperature measured? 1. Climatology an atmospheric science John E.
2. Write about the wind and its types. Oliver, John J. HIdore, 2003, person education
3. List out the weather elements and (singapore)pte,Ltd. India branch, Delhi.
associated measuring instruments. 2. Goh Cheng Lelong, Certificate Physical and
Human Geography, Goh Cheng Lelong,
IX 1. Give any three suggestions oxford publication (india).
to reduce global warming 3. Climatology, Savindra Singh, 2005, Prayag
1. ______________. pustak bhawan, Allahabad, India.
2. ______________.
3. ______________.
INTERNET RESOURCES
2. Map Activity
On the outline map of world mark the following „„ https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
1. Heat zones of the world „„ https://climatekids.nasa.gov/menu/
2. Pressure belt and planetary winds atmosphere/

ICT CORNER
Weather and Climate
Step – 1 Open the Browser and type the URL given below (or) Scan the QR Code.
Step – 2 Enter your location in search box (Ex.Tiruchirappalli)
Step – 3 Use the Drag flag and zoom in your area.
Step – 4 Go to menu in right side and select from the list to know the weather of
your area (Ex.Temperature)
Website URL:
https://www.windy.com
Mobile: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.windyty.android

Weather and Climate 103

TN_GOVT_VIII_Std_Geography_Unit II_updated.indd 103 04-03-2023 15:37:40