Earth Science

by Timothy Sandow

Genre

Nonfiction

Comprehension Skill

Make Inferences

Text Features

•
•
•
•

Captions
Map
Labels
Glossary

Science Content

Weather

Scott Foresman Science 3.6

ISBN 0-328-13823-1


ISBN: 0-328-13823-1
Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc.
All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. This publication is
protected by Copyright and permission should be obtained from the publisher prior
to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any
form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or likewise. For
information regarding permissions, write to: Permissions Department, Scott Foresman,
1900 East Lake Avenue, Glenview, Illinois 60025.
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 V010 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05

Weather

by Timothy Sandow

3. What do high air pressure and low air pressure
tell us about the weather?
4.

In this book you have read
about the pollution that happens in cities. Write
to explain how pollution forms. Use examples
from the book.

5.

Make Inferences Why do you think
the coast of the state of Washington gets wet
weather in the winter, while the Cascade
Mountains in the middle of the state get snow?


3


Earth has a blanket of

Changes in air pressure lead to changes in the

air around it. That blanket

weather. Scientists use a tool called a barometer to

is called the atmosphere.

measure air pressure.

It contains gases that have

High air pressure means good weather is coming

no color, taste, or odor. The

or is here. The skies are clear or will be clearing. Low

atmosphere has weight. It

air pressure often means bad weather. The weather

presses down on Earth. How


humidity causes dry air.
A rain gauge shows how much rain

Enlarge

has fallen. An anemometer tells the

Weather Map
Weather tools give scientists data, or facts. Scientists
use the data to make weather maps. The maps show
temperatures, air pressure, and storms. Look closely at
the weather map below. Do you see the key? The key’s
pictures help you better understand the weather.

speed of the wind. Wind vanes tell the
direction of the wind.
All these tools help scientists learn
more about weather. They also help
scientists predict what the weather will
Hygrometer

be like.

This weather map uses pictures to show
what the weather is like. What is the
weather like in Atlanta, Georgia?

Anemometer

Wind vane



How are weather patterns
different?

What kind of weather does this desert have?

Weather Patterns
Weather changes follow patterns. The same weather
happens over and over again. Weather patterns
depend on the Sun, water, and where you live. People
near the ocean have one kind of weather. People far
from the ocean have another kind of weather.
The coast along the state of Washington has rainy
winters. The Cascade Mountains, near the middle of
the state, have snowy winters. And the eastern section
of Washington has dry, cold winters.
Eastern Washington State does not get much rain or snow.

It rains on the coast because the air is warm and
wet. The rain turns to snow in the mountains because
the air is colder there. And the mountains block rain
and snow from going past them.
Each kind of desert has its own weather pattern. The
Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona and California
has a hot, dry summer season. But storms come with
heavy rain. The rain is due to moist air from the Gulf
of California. Saguaro cactus take in the rain and save
it for later.
10



A blizzard is a winter storm. Blizzards have very

The National Weather Service warns people about

cold air and a lot of snow. Strong winds blow the

storms. A storm watch means that a storm could be

snow. It is dangerous to be out in a blizzard. Blizzards

happening soon. A storm warning means that a storm

can trap people in the snow. They can also make

is about to happen or is already happening.

people too cold. It is important to stay indoors during
blizzards in order to be safe.

Different kinds of weather happen every day. It is
difficult to figure out why certain weather happens.
But tools help scientists understand the weather!

These students are
sent home from school
during a blizzard.

14

a huge storm with strong winds and

tornado

weather

tornado

heavy rains that starts over an ocean

3. What do high air pressure and low air pressure
tell us about the weather?

a spinning, funnel-shaped column of

4.

In this book you have read
about the pollution that happens in cities. Write
to explain how pollution forms. Use examples
from the book.

5.

Make Inferences Why do you think
the coast of the state of Washington gets wet
weather in the winter, while the Cascade
Mountains in the middle of the state get snow?

air that touches the ground