weather elements are the atmospheric quantities that set the mood. Each climate type can be described through a set of particular characteristics that correspond to the elements of that climate. There are four main elements that form a climate:
temperature;
moisture;
atmospheric pressure;
solar radiation.
Through these aspects it is possible to determine with greater precision a type of climate and establish comparisons with other climatic occurrences, hence its importance.
Read too: What are the climates present in Brazil?
Summary on weather elements
Climatic elements are the atmospheric quantities that characterize the climate.
The main climatic elements are: temperature, air humidity, atmospheric pressure and solar radiation.
They are important because it is through prolonged analysis of the set of elements that we can determine the climate of an area.
The elements of climate depend on the performance of climatic factors, which are aspects of the environment and atmosphere that determine the climate of an area, such as latitude, altitude, maritimeness and continentality and relief.
What is climate?
Climate can be defined as the succession of weather conditions observed at a given location over a long period. For the precise definition of the climate of a region, this analysis time must be at least 30 years. Daily records of atmospheric magnitudes are made for, after the necessary interval, the characterization of the climate. The set of atmospheric quantities that characterize a climate type is known as climate elements.
What are weather elements?
The weather elements, also called weather elements, are the properties of the atmosphere that define a certain type of climate. It is through these elements that we are able to recognize a specific climate and differentiate it from other climatic occurrences.
What are the weather elements?
A climate can be described by means of different atmospheric magnitudes, which can be measured and checked. There are four magnitudes in particular that are the main defining elements of a climate: temperature, humidity, pressure and radiation. Check below what each one is and how they work.
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Temperature: is a physical quantity used to measure the degree of agitation of particles in a body. Thinking about the climate, the temperature reflects the heat of the atmosphere in a given location, which is influenced by factors such as solar radiation and the amount of water present in the vapor state. To know the thermal pattern of a type of climate, it is necessary to measure the temperatures daily in a certain period of time, usually 30 years.
Temperature is usually expressed in degrees Celsius (°C), but we can also find this measurement in Fahrenheit (°F).
Moisture: It is a quantity that expresses the volume of water vapor suspended in the atmosphere. The humidity pattern of a climate is determinant for its pluviosity (rainfall volume) and for the formation of clouds, in addition to influencing the temperature. Atmospheric humidity can be measured in two ways:
→ Absolute humidity: total volume of water in the gaseous state present in the air at a given location. Expressed in grams per cubic meter (g/m³).
→ Relative humidity: relationship between the absolute humidity of the air and the maximum amount of water vapor that the atmosphere can retain until it reaches its dew point and condenses. Expressed as a percentage (%).
Atmospheric pressure: the weight exerted by the column of air on a surface is called atmospheric pressure. This quantity can be expressed in millibars (mb), hectopascals (hPa) or in atmospheres (atm). At sea level, for example, the atmospheric pressure is 1 atm. Pressure decreases with altitude, which is why higher areas have lower temperatures.
Solar radiation: the amount of energy emitted by the Sun that reaches the earth's surface determines the climate of different regions. The sun's rays reach the areas closest to the Equator with greater intensity, where the climates are warmer. As we move away from low latitudes and approach the poles, the intensity of the sun's rays decreases and temperatures become lower, providing temperate and cold climates.
Importance of weather elements
The weather elements are important because it is through from them that we were able to identify a type of climate. Only with the analysis of the elements of the climate is that we can classify and describe a certain climatic occurrence, that distinguishes itself from others because of its main characteristics: temperature, humidity, solar radiation and pressure atmospheric. All these aspects are analyzed for a long period of time until a pattern is distinguished, which is called climate.
Read too: Latitude and climate—what explains polar regions being the coldest?
Differences between weather elements and weather factors
You climatic factors act on the climatic elements, which is why they are indispensable in the composition of the different occurrences of climate present in the world. Despite being codependent, it is important to know that they are different concepts.
Weather elements: aspects of the climate. They are the magnitudes that characterize a climate, used in its description. As we have seen, the main elements of climate are: temperature, atmospheric pressure, air humidity and solar radiation.
Climatic factors: aspects of the environment and atmosphere that influence the elements of climate and are responsible for defining the climate dynamics of an area. The main climate factors are: latitude, altitude, relief, maritime and continental nature and vegetation.
Solved exercises on weather elements
question 1
(Uece 2016) Knowing that the climate has an unequivocal dynamic action, manifested in the system ocean-continent-atmosphere, it can be correctly stated that some of its main elements trainers are:
a) relief, vegetation and temperature.
b) humidity, soils and hydrography.
c) temperature, humidity and pressure.
d) pressure, geology and air masses.
Resolution: Alternative C. Several atmospheric quantities can be classified as climate-forming elements. The main ones are temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure.
question 2
(Unitau 2016)Climate factors govern climate, while climate elements describe it. Examples of climate factors and elements, respectively:
a) astronomical and latitude.
b) temperature and precipitation.
c) the relief and the temperature.
d) the astronomical and the relief.
e) temperature and winds.
Resolution: Alternative C. Of the items listed, relief and temperature are, in that order, the climatic factor and element.
In alternatives A and D, only latitude and pressure correspond to climatic factors.
Alternative B brings two climatic elements.
Alternative E brings a climatic element and a climatic factor, therefore, in the reverse order to that requested by the statement.
By Paloma Guitarrara
Geography Teacher
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/geografia/elementos-climaticos.htm
