(a) Differentiate between weather and climate (b) Name the instruments used in measuring the following weather elements: (i) pressure; (ii) sunshine; (iii) rainfall; (iv) wind speed. (c) Explain how wind speed is measured and recorded.
Explanation
(a) Differences between Weather and Climate — Weather is the atmospheric condition of a place over a short period (days, weeks, hours, months) but climate is the average weather conditions of a place over a long period of time (35yrs). — Weather changes very often, but climate does not change very often. — Weather cannot be generalized but climate can be generalised. — Weather describes the atmospheric condition of a small area, while climate describes the atmospheric condition of a large area. (b)Some Weather Elements and the Instruments for Measuring them — Wind speed — anemometer, — Sunshine - sundial / recorder, campbell stroke, — Pressure — barometer — Rainfall — rain gauge. (c) How Wind Speed is Measured — Measured with anemometer — Placed in an open space —Anemometer consists of four metal cups fixed to a metal arm — The shaft is connected to a meter —The cups rotate freely on a vertical shaft as the wind blows. — The number of rotation is indicated on a meter to give the speed of the wind in kilometer per hour. How Wind Speed is Recorded — Reading is taken twice daily e.g 9.00 hours and 1500 hours — Is recorded in a note book — Stating the date of recording — The record is signed by the observer.
