(a) Define the term climate. (b) Name the instrument used in measuring each of the following climate elements; (i) temperature (ii) pressure (iii) rainfall ...
Question 1 Report
(a) Define the term climate.
(b) Name the instrument used in measuring each of the following climate elements;
(i) temperature
(ii) pressure
(iii) rainfall
(iv) sunshine
(v) humidity
(c) In what four ways is the study of weather and climate important to man?
Answer Details
(a) Definition of climate
Climate is the average weather conditions of a place taken over a long period of time, usually not less than 35 years. It describes the general or expected atmospheric conditions (temperature, rainfall, pressure, humidity, wind, sunshine) of an area rather than the day-to-day changes.
(b) Instruments used to measure the climate elements
| Climate element | Instrument |
|---|---|
| (i) Temperature | Thermometer (maximum and minimum thermometer / six's thermometer) |
| (ii) Pressure | Barometer (mercury or aneroid barometer) |
| (iii) Rainfall | Rain gauge |
| (iv) Sunshine | Sunshine recorder (Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder) |
| (v) Humidity | Hygrometer (wet-and-dry bulb thermometer) |
(c) Four ways the study of weather and climate is important to man
- Agriculture: It guides farmers on the right time to plant, apply fertiliser and harvest crops.
- Aviation and shipping: Weather forecasts help pilots and sailors to plan safe journeys and avoid storms.
- Disaster prediction: It gives early warning of floods, droughts and storms, allowing people to take precautions.
- Planning of daily activities and clothing: It helps people decide on appropriate clothing, building design and outdoor activities.
- Tourism and health: It helps in planning tourism and in understanding the spread of climate-related diseases.
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