Ans : Thermometer is used to measure temperature of the atmosphere. It operates based on the principle that substances expand or contract with temperature changes.

Common thermometers contain a liquid (typically mercury or alcohol) enclosed in a thin glass tube. As the temperature rises, the liquid expands and moves up the tube and as the temperature decreases, the liquid contracts and moves down the tube. The scale on the thermometer provides a numerical value of the temperature.

In relation to weather, thermometers measure the ambient air temperature, indicating how hot or cold the atmosphere is at a particular location, helping to understand and predict weather conditions.

Ans : Six's Thermometer is a combination of maximum and minimum thermometers. It consists of two separate columns of mercury or alcohol, each with a small constriction. The mercury or alcohol expands with heat, pushing the column up, but when the temperature decreases, it contracts, leaving a visible mark at the highest and lowest points reached. These marks can be read and reset manually.

This device is used to record the highest and lowest temperatures reached within a specific period. It provides valuable data for assessing temperature fluctuations and trends over time. The maximum and minimum thermometer enables users to track and analyse temperature changes within a defined period, facilitating proper temperature control and management in diverse settings.

Ans : A psychrometer or dry and wet bulb thermometer consists of two thermometers, one with a dry bulb and the other with a wet bulb. The dry bulb thermometer measures the ambient air temperature, while the wet bulb thermometer has a moistened wick around its bulb. The evaporation of water from the wick cools the wet bulb thermometer, providing a measurement of the wet bulb temperature.

The difference between the dry and wet bulb temperatures is used to determine relative humidity. By comparing the readings of the two thermometers, the humidity level can be calculated using psychrometric charts or formulas.

A psychrometer or a dry and wet bulb thermometers are commonly used in weather stations to assess humidity, evaluate thermal comfort, and monitor environmental conditions.

Ans : A Stevenson Screen is a specialized enclosure used to house meteorological instruments, particularly thermometers, for the purpose of measuring temperature accurately. It is designed to minimize the effects of external factors on temperature readings. The screen is typically painted white and has double-louvered sides to allow air circulation while preventing direct sunlight from reaching the instruments. This design helps to prevent solar radiation from artificially raising the temperature inside the screen, as well as shielding the thermometers from precipitation, wind and other external influences.

By providing a controlled environment, the Stevenson Screen helps ensure that temperature measurements are more representative of the surrounding air and less prone to inaccuracies caused by external factors.

Ans : An anemometer is used to determine both wind speed and direction. This instrument is specifically designed to measure the velocity of movement of air.

An anemometer consists of several rotating cups mounted on a horizontal axis. As the wind blows, the cups rotate due to the force exerted by the air. The speed at which the cups rotate is directly proportional to the wind speed.

By measuring the rotations per unit of time, it accurately measures the wind speed. Additionally, anemometers often feature a vane or a wind vane, which is used to determine the wind direction. The vane aligns itself with the wind, enabling the anemometer to provide precise measurements of wind direction.

The wind speed and direction data obtained from an anemometer is crucial for meteorologists, environmental scientists and various industries, allowing for accurate weather forecasting, wind resource assessments and monitoring of atmospheric conditions.

Ans : A wind vane, also known as wind indicator, consists of a few key components. Firstly, there is a balanced arrow or pointer. It is usually shaped like an arrowhead or an arrow with feathers. This arrow is attached to a vertical rod or spindle that allows it to rotate freely.

To determine wind direction, the wind vane is mounted on a fixed structure, such as a rooftop or a pole, with the arrow pointing into the wind. As the wind blows, it exerts pressure on the surface of the arrow, causing it to rotate. The arrow eventually comes to rest, facing into the wind. It provides an indication of wind direction. Sometimes a compass is used to determine the specific compass direction the wind is coming from.

Ans : A rain gauge is used to measure the amount of precipitation, specifically rainfall. It typically consists of a cylindrical container with a wide opening at the top. As rain falls into the gauge, it accumulates in the container. The collected water is then measured to determine the amount of rainfall.

Common units used to express the amount of rainfall include millimetres (mm) and inches (in). The collected water is converted into these units to represent the depth of rainfall. For example, if the rain gauge shows a measurement of 10 mm, it means that 10 millimetres of rain has fallen over the specific period of time the gauge was exposed. Similarly, if it reads 0.4 inches, it indicates 0.4 inches of rainfall. These units provide a standardized way to quantify and compare rainfall across different regions.

Ans : Hygrometer is an instrument used to measure the humidity or moisture content in the air. It provides valuable information about the amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere at a particular time.

Humidity plays a crucial role in weather and affects various aspects of our daily lives. High humidity can make the air feel warmer and affect our perception of temperature, while low humidity can lead to dryness and affect our comfort levels.

By measuring humidity, a hygrometer helps meteorologists to understand and predict weather conditions.

Monitoring humidity is important for activities such as agriculture, weather forecasting, indoor climate control, and maintaining optimal conditions for sensitive equipment and materials.

Ans : Weather instruments such as barometers, barometers and rain gauges play a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasts.

Barometers measure air pressure, which helps identify high and low-pressure systems, aiding in the forecasting of weather patterns. Anemometers measure wind speed and direction, providing valuable data for predicting storms and assessing atmospheric conditions.

Rain gauges measure precipitation levels, enabling meteorologists to gauge rainfall amounts and anticipate flooding or drought conditions.

These instruments provide real-time, on-the-ground data, which when combined with satellite observations and computer models, help meteorologists make more precise predictions and improve the overall accuracy and reliability of weather forecasts.

Ans : Weather radar is a meteorological instrument used to detect and track precipitation patterns. It operates by emitting short pulses of electromagnetic waves, typically in the microwave range. It measures the time the takes for the waves to bounce back after encountering precipitation particles. By analysing the returned signals, the radar can determine the location, intensity and movement of precipitation, such as rain, snow or hail. It provides valuable information about the spatial distribution of precipitation, including the size, shape and velocity of raindrops or snowflakes. This data helps meteorologists forecast weather conditions, track storms and issue warnings for severe weather events.

Ans : Doppler Radar System is an important meteorological instrument. The function of a DRS is to measure the motion of objects, such as precipitation particles. It does so by analysing the frequency shift of radio waves.

In weather forecasting, Doppler radar plays a crucial role by providing information about the movement and intensity of precipitation within a storm system. By measuring the shift of the radar signals bouncing off raindrops or other particles, meteorologists can determine the speed and direction of the wind within the storm. This data helps in tracking severe weather phenomena like tornadoes, thunderstorms and hurricanes.

Doppler Radar Systems are vital tools for monitoring and predicting weather conditions, enabling meteorologists to issue timely warnings and forecasts to protect lives and property.

Ans : Weather satellites are purposefully developed to observe and monitor Earth's atmosphere, clouds and weather patterns from space. Its purpose is to gather valuable data and imagery that contribute to weather forecasting.

These satellites provide a comprehensive view of the planet, enabling meteorologists to track storms, measure atmospheric conditions and monitor weather systems over vast areas. By capturing images and collecting data on temperature, humidity, cloud cover and other variables, weather satellites help meteorologists to analyse current weather patterns and predict future weather conditions.

These information aids in issuing timely weather warnings, predicting severe weather events and enhancing overall understanding of Earth's climate system.

Ans : Weather balloons are used to gather vital data about atmospheric conditions. These large, helium or hydrogen-filled balloons carry instruments known as radiosondes that measure parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure and wind speed as they ascend through the atmosphere. The radiosondes mounted on weather balloons transmit real-time data to ground stations via radio waves.

By tracking the balloon's ascent and monitoring the changes in atmospheric conditions, meteorologists can acquire valuable information about temperature gradients, moisture levels, wind patterns and atmospheric stability.

These data aid in forecasting weather patterns, understanding climate dynamics and studying the behaviour of atmosphere, contributing to improved weather predictions and scientific research.

Ans : A ceilometer is an instrument used to measure the height of clouds above the ground. It works by emitting a laser beam vertically into the sky and detecting the backscattered light. By measuring the time, it takes for the laser light to return, the ceilometer can determine the distance to the cloud base.

ceilometers play a crucial role in aviation weather forecasting. They provide real-time information about cloud heights, enabling pilots and air traffic controllers to have accurate visibility data. This information helps in determining the minimum safe altitudes for aircraft, avoiding collisions with clouds and maintaining safe separation between aircraft.

Overall, ceilometers enhance aviation safety by providing crucial cloud height measurements for accurate weather forecasting.