HCC Science Olympiad : Meteorology

Your Guide to Watching Clouds and Understanding the Weather From the soothing sound of rain to the shrill whistle of a blizzard, from the house-shaking rumble of thunder to the violent fury of a hurricane, weather is a fascinating part of our lives. We watch it. We listen to it. We feel it. We try to predict it. But how well do we truly understand it? Professional meteorologist Ryan Henning presents Field Guide to the Weather, a handy reference to meteorology and to the types of weather phenomena that one might encounter at home or in nature.

Weather affects much more than how we dress, where we go, or whether or not we carry an umbrella. All life reacts and responds to weather in one way or another. Careful observation would show us that crickets are nature's thermometers, garden ants swarm when summer thunderstorms approach, and sharks swim into deep water when air pressure drops.

From the food available at the local store to the clothes we choose to wear every day, weather determines many of the major decisions we make and the actions we pursue. While we may not be able to control the weather, understanding the factors that cause a hurricane or allow us to plant certain crops, for example, can help us better prepare for both natural disasters and our daily lives. Detailed illustrations and photographs, interesting sidebars, and the topical narrative of this volume examine the conditions associated with different types of weather and the methods used to measure and forecast weather data.

No one succeeds better than Roy A. Gallant in providing young readers with engaging explanations of sometimes difficult scientific concepts. In EarthWorks, this author described by School Library Journal as one of the deans of American science writers for children takes his readers through time in a marvelous exploration of planet Earth. From the sea of air to the ocean's depths, he eloquently speculates on the earth's beginnings, reflects on its evolution, and examines its current condition. Incorporating the latest scientific insights and discoveries, he details Earth's basic components and rich resources as well as the threats to its ultimate well-being.

Readers will get an in-depth look at everything weather related in this encyclopedia. Alongside engaging photos, readers will learn about weather basics and extreme storms including thunderstorms, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, blizzards, ice storms, droughts, wildfires and firestorms, dust storms, and heat waves.

A tornado with wind speeds of 302 miles per hour (485 kilometers per hour) is difficult to even comprehend, but residents of Oklahoma experienced such a storm in 1999. Tornadoes are incredibly powerful phenomena of nature. Why are the United States and Canada the only countries to have ever experienced the strongest tornadoes? In this book, readers will get the answer to that question, and will learn about exactly what a tornado is and how one forms. Learn vital tips to staying safe in one of these monsters, and read about the deadliest tornadoes of all time. Readers will also discover what characteristics of a tornado are important to scientists, and will learn about the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale that scientists use to measure tornado strength. Each book in the Facing the Weather series provides interesting information about storm fundamentals, history's most extreme storms, and how scientists study and predict these weather events. Readers will be amazed learning about the most extreme weather on our planet.

Have you ever been in an earthquake? If so, then you will know that this powerful force of nature can literally jolt a person right out of bed. In this title, readers will learn everything they've ever wondered about earthquakes. How do they form? Why do they form? What are fault lines and how do they relate to earthquakes? Readers will learn about the latest science and technology regarding measurements of seismic activity and how these measurements are used to try to keep people safe. Each book in the Facing the Weather series provides interesting information about storm fundamentals, history's most extreme storms, and how scientists study and predict these weather events.

Soft falling snow is beautiful and peaceful, but blizzards are very different. These extreme weather storms involve massively cold temperatures, high wind, blowing snow, and other treacherous conditions. The Blizzards book outlines all the details you've always wanted to know about the powerful forces that drive these strong storms. Learn about where these storms occur and how they are formed. Learn how science and technology is used to predict these storms and minimize injury and loss of life. Weather is a truly powerful force, and Blizzards will show you not only how to face the weather, but also how to stay safe in these powerful storms. Each book in the Facing the Weather series provides interesting information about storm fundamentals, history's most extreme storms, and how scientists study and predict these weather events.

Imagine a storm with wind speeds of 215 miles per hour (345 kilometers per hour)! These wind speeds describe the most intense hurricane ever recorded globally. Hurricanes are powerful storms that can wreak havoc in the paths that they cross. The Hurricanes title in the Facing the Weather series explores everything readers have ever wanted to know about hurricanes. Learn why central pressure is an important measurement for scientists to make, and how scientists use the Saffir-Simpson scale to measure hurricane strength. You'll even see what a hurricane looks like from space! Each book in the Facing the Weather series provides interesting information about storm fundamentals, history's most extreme storms, and how scientists study and predict these weather events. Readers will be amazed learning about the most extreme weather on our planet.

Take a trip to the Edge-and discover a world of amazing facts and real-life adventure! Book jacket.

Hail the size of golf balls drops from the sky. Strong winds send cars sailing through the air as if they were small toys. Most people look for cover when severe weather threatens. But storm chasers do the opposite they look for the storms! Find out why these daredevils take the risk, what they've learned about severe weather, and the gear they use to stay safe.

The frequency and severity of tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, thunderstorms, blizzards, ice storms, dust storms, and cyclones have all increased around the globe. Scientists have found evidence that these storms are likely triggered by an overall warming of the planet, due largely to human activity, particularly the burning of heat-trapping fossil fuels. Readers will survey the scope of the problem, learn about the mechanisms at work behind storms of increasing frequency and intensity, see the outlined steps being taken to combat the global warming that promotes intense storms, and learn about the cutting-edge technologies being developed to secure our homes, offices, and other buildings and structures as well as protect the human lives they contain.

From wind to rain, weather affects how people go about their everyday lives. Readers will discover how Earth's atmosphere, weather, and climates work together. From extreme weather to the future of the planet's climate, this book covers what influences Earth's weather to how scientists forecast and track storms.

"People want to predict the weather for many reasons. Farmers need to know when to plant their crops. Athletes look to see if their games will be rained out. How does the weather affect your daily life? In this book, you will learn the best ways to predict weather. You will also solve a puzzle in which you decide the best way to make your own forecast!"

A perfect introduction to how we talk and think about the weather. Everyone talks about the weather, but what does it all mean? In clear, accessible language, Gail Gibbons introduces many common terms--like moisture, air pressure, and temperature--and their definitions. Simple, kid-friendly text explains the origins of fog, clouds, frost, thunderstorms, snow, fronts, hurricanes, reinforcing the explanations with clear, well-labeled drawings and diagrams. Newly revised, this edition of Weather Words and What They Mean has been vetted by an expert from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Best of all, the book features a fun list of weird weather facts!

As the often unnoticed architect of a region's landscapes and terrains, climate shapes the way life and societies develop in any given area. Reflecting the aggregate weather patterns of a place, climate can vary drastically around the globe and can itself be impacted by human actions. The classification systems that have been developed to comprehend the different types of climatic activity and the incredible range of effects it can have on the planet are the subjects of this insightful volume.