Weather is an amazing force of nature set in motion for millions of years that has far-reaching impacts on all life. Its influence on humans is undeniable — it can be relaxing, depressing, life-threatening, or even awe-inspiring. Regardless of how the weather makes us feel, it plays an incredibly important role in making planet Earth habitable. Weather exists for the sole purpose of balancing out the unequal heating experienced by our planet across its surface. Factors such as the planet's tilt, rotation, and different surfaces (land vs. water; cloudy vs. clear) are all responsible for these imbalances in heating. Weather is nature's way of trying to even things out! These learning modules contain more content on the basics of weather. Browse around and learn something new!
The animations linked in the resources files generally do not have any audio. Closed captions and audio transcripts are provided with each lesson module.
Resources: Ahrens, D. C. (2007). Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment. Belmont, California: Thomson/Brooks/Cole.
Identifying Severe Thunderstorms with Radar
Thunderstorms are classified by three types: air mass, multi-cells, and supercells.
Watch Storm Types Video Download Storm Types Slide Deck (PPTX)
Severe Weather Ingredients
What atmospheric ingredients are needed for severe weather?
Watch Severe Weather Ingredients Video Download Severe Weather Ingredients Slide Deck (PPTX)
Weather Radar Basics
How do weather radars work?
Watch Weather Radar Basics Video Download Seasons Slide Deck (PPTX)
