Weather is the set of all the phenomena occurring in a given atmosphere at a given time. Global weather refers to the overall weather systems that impact the entire world. Landscape influenced by the energy from the Sun, the rotation of the Earth, and system characteristics like land/ocean distribution and atmospheric composition.
Major Influences on Global Weather
- Solar Radiation
Weather is driven by energy from the Sun, our ultimate energy source. The differences in heating of the Earth surface cause variations in temperature, giving rise to winds, wind systems, and precipitation.
2. Atmospheric Circulation
The air masses circulate around the earth through the global wind patterns like the trade winds and the jet streams. These circulations are beneficial in the spreading of heat and moisture between areas.
3. Oceans and Currents
Seas serve as thermal storing areas. Both the Gulf Stream and the El Nino events play significant roles in global weather because they either heat or cool vast regions and change rain patterns.
4. Geography and Landforms
Mountains, forests, and deserts are all influences on the weather at local and regional scales, which can lead to world-wide variations. The monsoon in South Asia is an example of Himalayas.
5. Human Activity
Over the past few decades, climate change has had its impact on the weather patterns on earth due to human activities. The growth of global temperatures, storms, changing rainfall, and melting polar ice point to rising greenhouse gases.
Seasonal Variations
Changes in seasons on Earth are due to the tilt and orbit of the Earth. As the North Hemisphere has summers, the Southern Hemisphere has winter. All these changes equalize worldwide energy and cause severe conditions in certain areas as well.
Why Global Weather Matters
Global weather has a direct impact on food production, water supply, health and economies. Farmers rely on rain, industries rely on energy security and communities rely on safe weather. Knowing it assists governments and individuals in planning to address natural disasters and manage climate change.
Conclusion
A combination of natural forces and human activities makes global weather delicate. With the on-going change in the climate, learning about global weather is now more than ever necessary. The more we are aware the better policies and sustainable actions can be put in place to save our planet.
