ST.

THERESE MARITIME TRAINING CENTER – COLLEGES

Tigbauan Site
Tan Pael, Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines

MET 01 – METEOROLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY 1

BASIC ELEMENTS OF WEATHER AND ITS

IMPACT TO METEOROLOGICAL
PHENOMENA

NAME: Yaoki O. Galaraga

COURSE & YEAR: BSMT 2-Irreg
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Ordize Jose S. Siva
 ST. THERESE MARITIME TRAINING CENTER – COLLEGES
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Tan Pael, Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines

I. INTRODUCTION

Weather is the state or condition of the atmosphere at a particular place during a

short period of time, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, air pressure, wind
(speed and direction), visibility, cloud cover, and sunshine duration. Weather plays an
important role in our daily lives as it affects our day-to-day activities and decisions.
Weather forecasting helps us also to prepare for natural disasters such as typhoons,
hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. It is essential that we keep track of changing weather
patterns through reliable sources like meteorological departments to stay safe and
prepared for any eventuality that may arise due to changing climatic conditions.

Furthermore, weather plays a crucial role in the lives of seafarers as it affects

their safety and navigation. They rely on weather forecasts to plan their voyages and
avoid dangerous conditions. For instance, a sudden change in wind direction or speed
can cause waves to become dangerously high, making it difficult for ships to navigate
safely. Similarly, heavy rain or fog can reduce visibility, making it challenging for sailors
to see other vessels or obstacles in their path. Seafarers also need to be aware of
weather patterns such as hurricanes and typhoons that can cause significant damage to
ships and put lives at risk. Ultimately, accurate weather forecasting is vital for ensuring
that seafarers can make informed decisions about when to set sail and how best to
navigate through changing conditions.

Additionally, meteorological phenomena refer to uncommon weather occurrences

that elucidate and provide an explanation for meteorological concepts. Some of the
most common meteorological phenomena include rain, sleet, snow, drought, lightning,
thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes.The use of a variety of methods by
meteorologists allows them to forecast changes in weather patterns. They make
accurate projections about the weather in the future using the data which they gather
through measuring atmospheric conditions that occurred in the past and present.
Understanding these phenomena is crucial for us to adapt to changing weather patterns
and mitigate potential risks associated with them. Consequently, the basic elements of
weather play a significant role in the occurrence and development of meteorological
phenomena.

II. DISCUSSION

There are eight (8) fundamental components of weather that need to be

discussed in order to fully comprehend its concept:
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1. Temperature

Temperature refers to the measurement of hotness or coldness defined in terms

of any of numerous arbitrary scales and indicating the direction in which heat energy
would naturally flow, i.e., from a hotter body (one at a higher temperature) to a colder
body (one at a lower temperature). It is also an average measurement of the kinetic
energy of matter particles; the greater their kinetic energy, the hotter the body or object.

Temperature is measured with thermometers that may be calibrated to a range of

temperature scales. Since temperature is a relative measurement, scales based on
reference points must be employed to measured temperature accurately. There are
three primary scales that are commonly used to measure temperature: the Fahrenheit
(°F), Celsius (°C), and Kelvin (K) scales. Each of these scales use a unique set of
divisions based on their own set of reference points. In most cases, temperature is
measured using the Celsius scale.

The impact of temperature on meteorological phenomena such as hurricanes

and tornadoes is a topic that has been studied extensively by scientists. The
temperature of the Earth's atmosphere plays a crucial role in the formation, intensity,
and frequency of these natural disasters. Warmer temperatures can lead to an increase
in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes. This is because warmer water provides
more energy for the storm to grow and intensify. Warmer water temperatures also
cause more evaporation, which leads to increased moisture in the atmosphere and
ultimately more rainfall during a hurricane. Additionally, warmer air temperatures can
lead to more moisture in the atmosphere, which can fuel thunderstorms that often
spawn tornadoes. Conversely, cooler temperatures can also have an impact on these
meteorological phenomena. Cooler ocean temperatures can weaken hurricanes, while
cooler air temperatures can limit the amount of moisture available for thunderstorms to
form.

Overall, it is clear that temperature plays a significant role in shaping our planet's
weather patterns. As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, we
can expect these natural disasters to become even more frequent and intense in the
future.

2. Air (Atmospheric) Pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the force that the air above a surface applies to it while
gravity pulls the surface toward Earth. As you rise into the atmosphere from sea level,
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the pressure of the air molecules changes. At sea level, where air molecules are most
dense, there is the highest pressure. Furthermore, atmospheric pressure is an indicator
of weather. Cloudiness, wind, and precipitation are frequently brought on when a low-
pressure system enters a region. Typically, high-pressure systems provide about
pleasant, quiet weather.

Atmospheric pressure is commonly measured with a barometer. In a barometer,

a column of mercury in a glass tube rises or falls as the weight of the atmosphere
changes. Meteorologists describe the atmospheric pressure by how high the mercury
rises. Atmospheric pressure is expressed in several different systems of units such as
millimetres (or inches) of mercury, pounds per square inch (psi), dynes per square
centimetre, millibars (mb), standard atmospheres, or kilopascals. An atmosphere (atm)
is a unit of measurement equal to the average air pressure at sea level at a temperature
of 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). One atmosphere is 1,013 millibars, or
760 millimeters (29.92 inches) of mercury.

Atmospheric pressure plays a crucial role in the formation and behavior of

meteorological phenomena such as cyclones and anticyclones. These weather patterns
are characterized by low and high-pressure systems respectively, which are formed due
to differences in atmospheric pressure. Cyclones are formed when warm air rises from
the earth's surface, creating a low-pressure system. As the warm air rises, it cools
down, condenses into clouds, and releases energy in the form of rain or thunderstorms.
The rotation of the earth causes these storms to spin counterclockwise in the Northern
Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. On the other hand,
anticyclones are created when cold air sinks towards the earth's surface, creating a
high-pressure system. This results in clear skies and calm weather conditions. Changes
in atmospheric pressure can also affect the intensity and path of these weather
patterns. A drop in atmospheric pressure can cause cyclones to intensify while an
increase can weaken them. Similarly, high-pressure systems can steer cyclones away
from their original path.

In conclusion, atmospheric pressure is a critical factor that influences

meteorological phenomena such as cyclones and anticyclones. Understanding its
impact on these weather patterns is essential for predicting their behavior accurately.

3. Wind (Speed & Direction)

Wind isthe unequal heating of the Earth by the sun results in air movement. Wind
speed describes how fast the air is moving past a certain point. Conversely, wind
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direction describes the direction on a compass from which the wind emanates, for
instance, from the North or from the West. Wind speed and direction are crucial for
tracking, forecasting, and studying weather patterns and the global climate. Surface
water is affected in a variety of ways by wind direction and speed. These variables have
an impact on rates of evaporation, mixing of surface waters, and the emergence of
earthquakes and storm surges. The quality and level of the water are significantly
impacted by each of these processes.

The measurement of wind speed is usually done using a cup or propeller

anemometer, which is an instrument with three cups or propellers on a vertical axis. The
force of the wind causes the cups or propellers to spin. The spinning rate is proportional
to the wind speed. Wind speed is typically reported in miles per hour, knots, or meters
per second. Wind direction, on the other hand, is measured by a wind vane that aligns
itself with the direction of the wind. It is typically reported in degrees, and describes the
direction from which the wind emanates.

The direction and speed of the wind can have a significant effect and impact on
weather patterns, including temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure. Wind
direction is important because it determines where air masses are coming from. For
example, if the wind is blowing from the north, it may bring cold air with it, resulting in
lower temperatures. Similarly, if the wind is blowing from the south or west, it may bring
warm air with it. Wind speed also plays a critical role in meteorological phenomena.
Strong winds can cause storms to intensify or dissipate quickly. High-speed winds can
also create dangerous conditions for transportation and outdoor activities.

Overall, understanding the impact of wind direction and speed on meteorological

phenomena is crucial for predicting weather patterns accurately. By studying these
factors carefully, meteorologists can provide accurate forecasts that help people
prepare for severe weather events and stay safe during extreme conditions.

4. Humidity

Humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity
measured the amount of water in the air as compared to the maximum amount of water
vapor (moisture). Humidity is a natural part of our atmosphere, it comes from the
amount of water vapor in the air. Water vapor enters the atmosphere by evaporating
from the large bodies of water on the Earth’s surface including lakes, oceans, and seas.
It is an integral part of the water cycle, as water vapor is continuously generated by
evaporation and removed by condensation. When the temperature is higher, the air can
 ST. THERESE MARITIME TRAINING CENTER – COLLEGES
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hold more water vapor, meaning that the warmer the climate, the higher the humidity
level can be.

There are three main measurements of humidity: relative, absolute and and
specific. Absolute humidity (units are grams of water vapor per cubic meter volume of
air) is a measure of the actual amount of water vapor in the air, regardless of the air's
temperature. The higher the amount of water vapor, the higher the absolute humidity.
Relative humidity, expressed as a percent, is a measure of the amount of water vapor
that air is holding compared the the amount it can hold at a specific temperature. Warm
air can possess more water vapor (moisture) than cold air, so with the same amount of
absolute/specific humidity, air will have a higher relative humidity. The relative humidity
of an air-water mixture is also defined as the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor
in the mixture to the saturated vapor pressure of water at a given temperature (See
what is vapor pressure). Thus the relative humidity of air is a function of both water
content and temperature. Specific humidity refers to the weight of water vapor contained
in a unit weight (amount) of air (expressed as grams of water vapor per kilogram of air).
A device to measure relative humidity is called a hygrometer. The simplest hygrometer -
a sling psychrometer - consists of two thermometers mounted together with a handle
attached on a chain. One thermometer is ordinary. The other has a cloth wick over its
bulb and is called a wet-bulb thermometer.

Humidity is a crucial factor in meteorological phenomena such as thunderstorms

and fog. The amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere determines the level of
humidity, which affects the formation and intensity of these weather events.
Thunderstorms are formed when warm, moist air rises and cools, causing water
droplets to condense into clouds. High levels of humidity provide ample moisture for this
process to occur, resulting in more frequent and intense thunderstorms. In contrast, low
humidity levels can inhibit thunderstorm formation. Fog is another weather event that is
heavily influenced by humidity. When warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler
surfaces or air masses, it can condense into fog. High humidity levels increase the
likelihood of fog formation, while low humidity levels make it less likely.

Overall, understanding the impact of humidity on meteorological phenomena is

critical for predicting and preparing for severe weather events. By monitoring changes in
humidity levels, meteorologists can better anticipate thunderstorms and fog formation
and issue timely warnings to keep people safe.
 ST. THERESE MARITIME TRAINING CENTER – COLLEGES
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Tan Pael, Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines

5. Precipitation

Precipitation is any liquid or frozen water that forms in the atmosphere and falls
back to the earth. It comes in many forms, like rain, sleet, and snow. Precipitation forms
in the clouds when water vapor condenses into bigger and bigger droplets of water.
When the drops are heavy enough, they fall to the earth. If a cloud is colder, like it
would be at higher altitudes, the water droplets may freeze to form ice. These ice
crystals then fall to the earth as snow, hail, or rain, depending on the temperature within
the cloud and at Earth’s surface. Most rain actually begins as snow high in the clouds.
As the snowflakes fall through warmer air, they become raindrops. A rain gauge is the
instrument used to measure rainfall. It is essentially a measured container that captures
rain and measures the amount that falls over a set period of time.

Precipitation is a crucial meteorological phenomenon that has a significant

impact on various natural disasters such as floods, droughts, landslides, and others.
The amount and frequency of precipitation determine the intensity of these phenomena.
Heavy rainfall can cause floods by increasing the water level in rivers and lakes beyond
their capacity to hold water. This results in the overflow of water onto surrounding areas
causing damage to property and loss of life. Droughts are caused by prolonged periods
of low precipitation leading to scarcity of water resources for human consumption,
agriculture, and livestock. Landslides occur when heavy rainfall saturates the soil
making it unstable leading to mass movement of earth or rock down a slope. This can
cause severe damage to infrastructure and loss of life.

In conclusion, precipitation plays a vital role in shaping our environment and

influencing natural disasters such as floods, droughts, landslides among others. It is
important for us to understand its impact so that we can take necessary measures to
mitigate its effects on human lives and property.

6. Visibility

Visibility is the measurement of the degree through which an object can be

observed over a certain distance. This measurement is crucial when conditions like
mist, haze, fog, and freezing drizzle are present, which can severely impede visibility. It
is also a measure of the horizontal opacity of the atmosphere at the point of observation
and is expressed in terms of the horizontal distance at which a person should be able to
see and identify. Surface Visibility is the greatest visibility, taken at the surface, equaled
or exceeded throughout at least half the horizon circle. Visibility sensors like "forward
scatter sensor" are the instruments used to measure visibility. In the past, using your
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own vision (eyes) to measure the degree to which you can observe an object, was the
standard.

Visibility is an essential factor that affects meteorological phenomena, and it

plays a crucial role in determining the extent of their impact. Visibility refers to the
distance at which objects can be seen clearly. It is affected by various factors such as
fog, haze, smoke, and precipitation. These factors can reduce visibility and make it
difficult for people to see or navigate through their environment. Meteorological
phenomena such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards can cause
severe damage to property and loss of life. The impact of these phenomena is often
magnified when visibility is reduced. For example, drivers may find it challenging to
navigate through a storm with poor visibility leading to accidents.

In conclusion, it's evident that visibility plays a crucial role in meteorological

phenomena. Therefore, it's essential for meteorologists to consider this factor when
predicting weather patterns and making recommendations for safety measures during
extreme weather conditions such as foggy or hazy days.

7. Clouds (Type & Cover)

Clouds are water droplets or water in different states (like ice and snow crystals),
which formed after water vapor reached condensation level and could no longer
remain in gaseous form. Knowing how to identify a certain type of cloud and the
weather associated with it, can prove valuable when assessing weather conditions
with only visual references. Additionally, cloud cover significantly influence air and
surface temperatures. During the day, clouds reflect incoming sunlight, preventing a
portion of this heat energy from reaching the Earth’s surface, thereby reducing the day
temperature. Cloudy nights are generally warmer than clear nights because
cloud cover reduces the loss of terrestrial radiation to space.The advanced instruments
meteorologists use to study clouds in detail are weather satellites and radars. Satellite
and radar images are able to accurately measure cloud density, the amount of moisture,
the temperature, and movement of the clouds.
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Tan Pael, Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines

Clouds are an essential component of the Earth's atmosphere and play a crucial
role in determining the weather patterns. The type and cover of clouds have a
significant impact on meteorological phenomena, including temperature, precipitation,
and wind. The type of cloud determines its altitude, thickness, and composition. High-
level clouds such as cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals and indicate fair
weather. In contrast, low-level clouds such as stratus clouds are composed of water
droplets and indicate overcast or rainy conditions. Cloud cover affects the amount of
solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. A clear sky allows more solar radiation
to reach the surface, leading to warmer temperatures. In contrast, cloudy skies reflect
more solar radiation back into space, resulting in cooler temperatures. Clouds also
affect precipitation patterns by providing a surface for moisture to condense on and form
droplets or ice crystals. The amount and type of precipitation depend on the cloud type
and cover.

In conclusion, understanding cloud types and covers is critical to predicting

meteorological phenomena accurately. Meteorologists use satellite imagery and
ground-based observations to determine cloud types and covers to forecast weather
conditions accurately. Therefore, it is essential to continue studying cloud dynamics to
improve our understanding of how they impact our weather patterns.

8. Sunshine Duration

Sunshine duration is the length of time the Earth's surface is directly exposed to
solar radiation. It is also referred to as sunlight hours and measure the amount of
 ST. THERESE MARITIME TRAINING CENTER – COLLEGES
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exposure over a set period of time (generally in hours per day or year.) Sunshine
recorders, more specifically Campbell–Stokes recorders, are the instruments used to
record sunshine duration. Campbell–Stokes recorders basically consist of a spherical
lens that focuses sunlight on a specific type of tape to make its measurement.

Sunshine duration is a crucial factor that influences meteorological phenomena.

The amount of sunshine received by an area plays a significant role in determining the
temperature, humidity, and precipitation levels. The impact of sunshine duration on
meteorological phenomena can be observed in various ways. Firstly, the duration of
sunshine affects the temperature of an area. When there is more sunshine, the
temperature tends to rise as more heat energy is absorbed by the earth's surface. This
leads to increased evaporation rates and higher humidity levels. Secondly, sunshine
duration also affects precipitation patterns. Areas with longer periods of sunshine tend
to experience less rainfall as high temperatures lead to increased evaporation rates and
reduced cloud formation. Finally, prolonged periods of low sunshine duration can result
in extreme weather events such as droughts or floods due to changes in atmospheric
pressure and circulation patterns.

In conclusion, it is evident that sunshine duration has a significant impact on

meteorological phenomena. Understanding this relationship is crucial for predicting
weather patterns accurately and developing effective strategies for managing climate-
related risks.

III. CONCLUSION

Weather is an integral part of our daily lives, and understanding its basic
elements is crucial to comprehend meteorological phenomena. Weather is essentially
the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, consisting of variables such
as temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and atmospheric pressure. These
variables interact with each other, creating different weather patterns that determine the
type of weather we experience. Understanding the basic elements of weather is
important because it helps us predict and prepare for different meteorological
phenomena. In addition to predictions and preparations, understanding weather
elements is also important for safety reasons. Unpredictable weather patterns can
cause accidents and be hazardous to human health. By understanding the basic
elements of weather, we can take necessary precautions and stay safe during extreme
weather conditions.
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IV. RECOMMENDATION

I highly recommend that all seafarers and those involved in marine navigation
have a basic understanding of weather and its impact on meteorological phenomena.
Weather plays a crucial role in the safety of those at sea, and understanding its basic
elements is essential to making informed decisions regarding navigation and safety
protocols. Some of the key elements of weather that seafarers should be familiar with
include temperature, pressure, wind direction and speed, humidity, and precipitation. By
understanding how these factors interact with each other, seafarers can better predict
and prepare for potentially dangerous weather conditions. For example, a drop in
pressure can indicate an approaching storm, while changes in wind direction and speed
can affect the stability of a vessel. Understanding the impact of these factors can help
seafarers make timely decisions to ensure the safety of themselves and their crew.

In conclusion, I strongly recommend that seafarers and those involved in marine

navigation take the time to educate themselves on the basic elements of weather and
its impact on meteorological phenomena. Doing so can help prevent accidents and
ensure the safety of all on board.

V. REFERENCES

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, April 2). weather. Encyclopedia

Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/weather

https://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/Meteorological_phenomenon

https://www.gpb.org/blogs/talking-storm/2012/02/15/students-ask-how-do-
meteorologists-predict-the-weather

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, March 27). temperature. Encyclopedia

Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/temperature

https://www.cuemath.com/measurement/temperature/

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/atmospheric-pressure/

https://www.kids-fun-science.com/what-is-air-pressure.html
 ST. THERESE MARITIME TRAINING CENTER – COLLEGES
Tigbauan Site
Tan Pael, Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2022, December 23). atmospheric pressure.

Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/science/atmospheric-pressure

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/wind/

https://www.fondriest.com/news/wind-speed-and-direction.htm

https://www.airthings.com/en/contaminants/what-is-humidity

https://www.edinformatics.com/math_science/what-is-humidity.html

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/precipitation/

http://www.jiwaji.edu/pdf/ecourse/tourism/elements%20of%20weather%20and
%20climate.pdf

https://graphical.weather.gov/definitions/defineSfcVisibility.html#:~:text=Visibility%20is
%20a%20measure%20of,%2C%20a%20known%2C%20preferably%20unfocused%2C

https://lcp.org.ph/UserFiles/League_of_Cities/file/WPF-Weather101-updated.pdf