Collect weather information over media such as newspaper, TV and radio for understanding the weather systems.

Multiple choice question.

Which one of the following is the source region for the formation of air masses?

Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) What is the unit used in measuring pressure? Why is the pressure measured at station level reduced to the sea level in preparation of weather maps?

(ii) While the pressure gradient force is from north to south, i.e. from the subtropical high pressure to the equator in the northern hemisphere, why are the winds north easterlies in the tropics.

(iii) What are the geotrophic winds?

(iv) Explain the land and sea breezes.

Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(i) Discuss the factors affecting the speed and direction of wind.

(ii) Draw a simplified diagram to show the general circulation of the atmosphere over the globe. What are the possible reasons for the formation of subtropical high pressure over 30^o N and S latitudes?

(iii) Why does tropical cyclone originate over the seas? In which part of the tropical cyclone do torrential rains and high velocity winds blow and why?

Read the section on weather in any newspaper, preferably, one having a map showing a satellite picture. Mark the area of cloudiness. Attempt to infer the atmospheric circulation from the distribution of clouds. Compare the forecast given in the newspaper with the TV coverage, if you have access to TV. Estimate, how many days in a week was the forecast were accurate.