Weather and Climate - 2 Class 5 Worksheet SST

Q1: Fill in the Blanks:

(i) ______ refers to the day-to-day conditions of the atmosphere in a specific area.
Ans: Weather

(ii) Climate represents the _____ weather patterns in an area over a long period of time.
Ans: Average

(iii) The _____ receives more direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures.
Ans: Equator

(iv) A _______ is used to measure temperature.
Ans: Thermometer

(v) _______ and _______ are two important elements that define the climate of a region.
Ans: Rainfall, temperature

(vi) An ________ measures wind speed.
Ans: Anemometer

(vii) The layer of gases surrounding Earth is known as the ________.
Ans: Atmosphere

(viii) The water cycle involves processes like ________, _________, and _______.
Ans: Evaporation, condensation, precipitation

(ix) A ______ is an extended period of extremely low ______ in an area.
Ans: Drought, rainfall

(x) _______ tend to have colder climates due to their distance from the equator.
Ans: Polar regions

Q2: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(i) What is the main difference between weather and climate?
(a) Weather is about long-term conditions, while climate is about short-term conditions.
(b) Weather is about average conditions, while climate is about day-to-day conditions.
(c) Weather is about short-term conditions, while climate is about long-term conditions.
(d) Weather and climate are the same thing.
Ans: (c)
Weather and climate are related but distinct concepts. Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific area, including factors like temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation. Climate, on the other hand, represents the long-term patterns of weather in a region. Climate describes the average weather conditions, including temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and more, over a period of many years. Therefore, the main difference is that weather is about day-to-day variations, while climate is about long-term averages.

(ii) Which instrument is used to measure humidity?
(a) Barometer
(b) Thermometer
(c) Hygrometer
(d) Anemometer
Ans: (c)
A hygrometer is an instrument specifically designed to measure humidity, which is the amount of moisture present in the air. It can provide readings of relative humidity, which is expressed as a percentage and tells us how saturated the air is with moisture. This instrument is commonly used in weather forecasting and various scientific applications to monitor humidity levels.

(iii) The water cycle is driven mainly by:
(a) Wind
(b) Sunlight
(c) Earth's rotation
(d) Human activities
Ans: (b)
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is primarily driven by the energy from the Sun. Here's how it works:

• Sunlight heats the Earth's surface, causing water in oceans, lakes, and rivers to evaporate into water vapor.
• This water vapor rises into the atmosphere where it cools and condenses to form clouds.
• Clouds release moisture in the form of precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) when they become heavy enough.
• The precipitation falls back to the Earth's surface and can enter rivers, lakes, or groundwater.
• The cycle continues as the Sun's energy keeps the process going.

So, sunlight is the main energy source that powers the water cycle.

(iv) Which of the following is NOT a natural disaster related to weather?
(a) Earthquake
(b) Hurricane
(c) Tornado
(d) Flood
Ans: (a)
An earthquake is a geological event caused by the shifting of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface, and it is not related to weather or atmospheric conditions. Natural disasters related to weather include hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts, among others, which are driven by atmospheric factors and climate patterns.

(v) Which climate zone is characterized by hot and humid conditions, and heavy rainfall?
(a) Polar
(b) Desert
(c) Tropical
(d) Temperate
Ans: (c)
The tropical climate zone is characterized by hot and humid conditions, along with heavy rainfall. This region is typically located near the equator and experiences high temperatures throughout the year due to its proximity to the Sun. The consistent warmth and abundant moisture in tropical regions support lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems. This climate zone is associated with rainforests and is known for its high levels of precipitation.

Q2: True and False:

(i) Climate refers to the day-to-day variations in temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions.
Ans: False

(ii) The closer a location is to the equator, the warmer its climate tends to be.
Ans: True

(iii) Weather patterns cannot be predicted or studied over a long period of time.
Ans: False

(iv) An anemometer measures the amount of rainfall in an area.
Ans: False

(v) The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps Earth's temperature constant.
Ans: True

Q3: Match the Following:

(i) Thermometer ⇒ (a) Measures wind speed
(ii) Anemometer ⇒ (b) Measures temperature
(iii) Hygrometer ⇒ (c) Measures humidity
(iv) Barometer ⇒ (d) Measures air pressure
(v) Rain gauge ⇒ (e) Measures rainfall
Ans:
(i) Thermometer ⇒ (b) Measures temperature
(ii) Anemometer ⇒ (a) Measures wind speed
(iii) Hygrometer ⇒ (c) Measures humidity
(iv) Barometer ⇒ (d) Measures air pressure
(v) Rain gauge ⇒ (e) Measures rainfall

Q4: Short Answer Questions:

(i) Explain the difference between weather and climate.
Ans: Weather refers to the day-to-day atmospheric conditions of a specific area, while climate represents the average weather patterns over a long period of time.

(ii) What are the major components of the water cycle? Describe how it works.
Ans: The major components of the water cycle are evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Water evaporates from bodies of water and the land, forms clouds through condensation, and falls back to Earth as precipitation, which can include rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

(iii) Why do coastal areas tend to have milder climates compared to inland areas?
Ans: Coastal areas have milder climates due to the presence of water bodies. Water heats up and cools down more slowly than land, leading to more stable temperatures in coastal regions compared to the rapid temperature changes in inland areas.

(iv) What is the greenhouse effect? How does it contribute to Earth's temperature regulation?
Ans: The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat by certain gases in Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases allow sunlight to enter but prevent some of the heat from escaping, thus maintaining a relatively constant temperature on Earth. Human activities, like burning fossil fuels, can enhance the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.

(v) Describe the characteristics of a desert climate.
Ans: Desert climates are characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures during the day, and significant temperature drops at night due to low humidity. These areas often have arid landscapes with limited vegetation and can be classified as hot deserts or cold deserts based on their temperatures.