Theory question 206
Weather(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.
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(a) Weather is the state of the atmosphere of a place over a short time (hours or days); climate is the average weather of a large area over a long period (about 30-35 years); weather changes often, climate is fairly stable.
(b)(i) Barometer; (ii) Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder; (iii) rain gauge; (iv) anemometer.
(c) A cup anemometer (three or four cups on arms fixed to a vertical spindle) is placed in an open place high above obstacles; the wind turns the cups and the spindle drives a counter or dial showing speed in km/h or knots; readings are taken at fixed times (e.g. 09.00 and 15.00) and entered in a weather record book with the date.
Give one instrument per element.