Weather Merit Badge Answers: A ScoutSmarts Guide

Hey there! Are you ready to complete the second half of your Weather merit badge worksheet and earn your next badge? Learning about the science of our planet’s climate is super interesting, and this knowledge will basically affect you throughout every day of your life. Get ready to learn a ton and never see weather the same way again!

You’ve reached part 2 of my ultimate guide to the Weather merit badge! If you’re new to ScoutSmarts, you should first check out part 1 for the answers to requirements 1-4.

If you’ve come from part 1, congrats! We’re about halfway done. In our last article, we covered a whole lot, from why weather matters to different industries to how to stay safe when foul weather strikes. But there’s still more to learn about the water cycle, the environment, how seasons work, and even what it takes to be a meteorologist!

It’s time to get back into it! Take a minute to closely review and think through requirements 5-11 of the Weather merit badge. Then, you’ll be ready to learn the answers to each requirement and show off your knowledge to fellow Scouts!

What Are The Weather Merit Badge Answers?

5. Identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere. Relate these to specific types of weather.
6. Draw a diagram of the water cycle and label its major processes. Explain the water cycle to your counselor.
7. Identify some human activities that can alter the environment, and describe how they affect the climate and people.
8. Describe how the tilt of Earth’s axis helps determine the climate of a region near the equator, near the poles, and across the area in between.
9. Do ONE of the following:
   9a. Make one of the following instruments: wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge, hygrometer. Keep a daily weather log for 1 week using information from this instrument as well as from other sources such as local radio and television stations or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, and Internet sources (with your parent’s permission). Record the following information at the same time every day: wind direction and speed, temperature, precipitation, and types of clouds. Be sure to make a note of any morning dew or frost. In the log, also list the weather forecasts from radio or television at the same time each day and show how the weather really turned out.
   9b. Visit a National Weather Service office or talk with a local radio or television weathercaster, private meteorologist, local agricultural extension service officer, or university meteorology instructor. Find out what type of weather is most dangerous or damaging to your community. Determine how severe weather and flood warnings reach the homes in your community.
10. Give a talk of at least five minutes to a group (such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) explaining the outdoor safety rules in the event of lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Before your talk, share your outline with your counselor for approval.
11. Find out about a weather-related career opportunity that interests you. Discuss with and explain to your counselor what training and education are required for such a position, and the responsibilities required of such a position.

5) Identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere. Relate these to specific types of weather.

Scout Joke: Why shouldn’t you get into an argument with a cloud? It might storm out on you!

Have you ever noticed that the clouds have different shapes? Sometimes they look like white lines in the sky, and other times they look as fluffy as sheep. That’s because there are actually quite a few different types of clouds that can be seen in the skies on a typical day! 

Clouds are categorized into different types based on their shape, structure, and altitude. There are three main altitude levels: low, middle, and high. Below, you’ll find the altitudes that define each level of elevation and a description of each cloud type!

Low-Level Clouds: Low-level clouds exist up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in altitude. They are typically composed of water droplets, but can also contain snow and ice in colder conditions. Here are the names of the most common low-level clouds:

• Stratus: These are flat, hazy, featureless clouds that often cover the entire sky like a blanket, causing overcast conditions. They can produce drizzles or light snow.
• Stratocumulus: These clouds are low-lying, lumpy, and gray. They can line up in rows or appear in patches with blue sky visible in between. They rarely produce precipitation, but may cause light rain or snow.
• Cumulus: These are puffy clouds that usually have flat bases and appear during fair weather. They may grow into larger clouds, such as cumulonimbus, which can produce thunderstorms.

Middle-Level Clouds: Middle-level clouds exist between 2,000 and 6,000 meters (6,500 to 20,000 feet) in altitude. They are composed mainly of water droplets, but can also contain ice crystals in colder temperatures.

• Altostratus: These are gray or blue-gray clouds that usually cover the entire sky. They are thicker than stratus clouds and can lead to uniformly gray conditions. Light rain or snow can fall from these clouds.
• Altocumulus: These are white or gray, and often patchy with waves or rounded masses. They usually form in advance of a cold front, indicating thunderstorms might occur.

High-Level Clouds: High-level clouds form above 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) and are usually composed of ice crystals due to the cold temperatures at such high altitudes.

• Cirrus: These are thin, wispy clouds that often look like they’ve been stretched by high winds. They usually indicate fair to pleasant weather, but can also signal that a change in weather will occur within a few days.
• Cirrostratus: These are thin, sheet-like high clouds that often cover the entire sky. They can cause a “halo” effect around the sun or moon. They usually indicate that rain or snow will arrive within 24 hours.
• Cirrocumulus: These are small, rounded white puffs that usually appear in long rows high in the sky. They are usually rare and indicate good weather, but can signal a cold front is on the way.
• Cumulonimbus: It can extend from low altitude levels to high altitude levels. These clouds are associated with severe weather, including heavy rain, lightning, and tornadoes. They are large and dark, often shaped like an anvil at the top.

Whew! That is a lot of information, so here is a handy chart 🙂: 

6) Draw a diagram of the water cycle and label its major processes. Explain the water cycle to your counselor.

The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. The water cycle has no starting or ending point, but for descriptive purposes, it’s common to start with the ocean, as it is the largest reservoir of water on Earth.

Below is a great video (8:40) that walks you through how to draw the water cycle diagram. While it’s a little on the long side, this is an excellent example to follow!

Major Processes in the Water Cycle

1. Evaporation: This is the process where water changes from liquid form to an atmospheric gas, known as water vapor. It predominantly takes place in the oceans, but also in other large bodies of water, and smaller sources like puddles, plants, and the soil.
2. Transpiration: This is a process similar to evaporation where water vapor is released from plants and soil into the atmosphere.
3. Condensation: As the water vapor rises into the cooler parts of the atmosphere, it condenses and forms tiny droplets that cluster together to form clouds.
4. Precipitation: As the cloud droplets collide and grow, they eventually become too heavy to remain in the sky and fall to the ground as precipitation (rain, snow, hail, or sleet).
5. Runoff and Infiltration: After precipitation reaches the ground, the water doesn’t stop moving. Some of it flows along the surface and enters rivers and streams in a process known as runoff. The rest soaks into the ground in a process called infiltration, where it replenishes aquifers, which are underground stores of freshwater.
6. Sublimation: This is the direct process by which solid water (ice or snow) changes into water vapor without first becoming a liquid. It is most common in places with cold and dry conditions.
7. Deposition: This is the reverse of sublimation where water vapor changes directly into ice, such as snowflakes and frost.

7) Identify some human activities that can alter the environment, and describe how they affect the climate and people.

Do you use a vehicle to get to school? Do you recycle? Do you take long showers or short showers? You probably know that even small, individual activities like these affect the environment. But there are also large-scale activities that affect the climate and people much more drastically. These activities include: 

• Burning of Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels are burned for electricity, heating, and transportation. This is the largest cause of greenhouse gas emissions. These gasses are trapped in the atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures. This causes changes in the weather, raises sea levels, and increases the occurrence of extreme weather events. This affects agriculture, wildlife, and human health.
• Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2, reducing the amount of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. When trees are cut down for agriculture, urbanization, or logging, however, the trees release stored carbon into the atmosphere. This contributes to climate change. Deforestation can lead to habitat loss and even extinction for animals. 
• Agriculture: Modern agricultural practices often involve the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can lead to water pollution when they infiltrate the groundwater or run off into rivers and lakes. Additionally, certain agricultural practices produce large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Industrial Processes and Waste: Various industrial processes release pollutants into the air, soil, and water, which can contribute to climate change, harm ecosystems, and cause health issues for people. Moreover, improper disposal of waste can lead to soil and water contamination.
• Urbanization: Rapid urbanization can lead to the creation of “heat islands,” where concrete structures and lack of vegetation cause a local increase in temperature. Urban runoff and pollution can also affect local bodies of water.
• Overexploitation of Resources: Overfishing, overhunting, overgrazing, and overharvesting of plants can disrupt ecosystems, leading to the extinction of species and altering the balance of ecosystems.

8) Describe how the tilt of Earth’s axis helps determine the climate of a region near the equator, near the poles, and across the area in between.

Have you ever wondered why some places stay hot all year round, while others have hot and cold seasons? How about why the U.S. is cold in December and hot in June, while Australia is the opposite? The tilt of the Earth’s axis is important in determining the climate and seasons of a region.

Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of roughly 23.5 degrees. The shape of Earth’s orbit and the tilt of the axis leads to variations in the amount of sunlight parts of the Earth receive throughout the year. Because of these variations, regions near and far from the equator have different climate conditions.

Near the Equator 

Because the equator is closer to the sun due to the spherical shape of the Earth, regions near it get more sunlight year-round. The sunlight doesn’t disperse as much, so there is more heat energy per unit of area. Due to the tilt, these areas have fairly consistent day length and temperature throughout the year.

Near the Poles

The sunlight hits the Earth at a lower angle near the North and South poles. The sunlight is spread out over a larger surface area, so there is less heat energy per unit of area here. Due to the tilt of the axis, during the winter months, the poles do not receive any sunlight. Here, long, dark, and cold winters are paired with short, milder summers, resulting in cold climates.

Between the Equator and Poles

In the regions between the equator and the poles (known as temperate zones), the climate varies depending on the time of year. The tilt of the Earth means that these areas receive more direct sunlight (and longer days) in the summer, leading to warmer temperatures. During the winter, these areas receive less direct sunlight (and shorter days), which leads to cooler temperatures.

The way the earth’s tilt affects climate and creates seasons on Earth is a little hard to picture (even with awesome charts 😉). This video (3:16) gives a great illustration to help!

Do ONE of the following:
9a. Make one of the following instruments: wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge, hygrometer. Keep a daily weather log for 1 week using information from this instrument as well as from other sources such as local radio and television stations or NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, and Internet sources (with your parent’s permission). Record the following information at the same time every day: wind direction and speed, temperature, precipitation, and types of clouds. Be sure to make a note of any morning dew or frost. In the log, also list the weather forecasts from radio or television at the same time each day and show how the weather really turned out.
9b. Visit a National Weather Service office or talk with a local radio or television weathercaster, private meteorologist, local agricultural extension service officer, or university meteorology instructor. Find out what type of weather is most dangerous or damaging to your community. Determine how severe weather and flood warnings reach the homes in your community.

Do you know how meteorologists measure rainfall? They use something called a rain gauge! Not only is making one super easy, but it can also be really fun and interesting to know exactly how much rain you’ve received in a given period! Here are simple steps to make a rain gauge using materials typically available at home.

Materials for making a rain gauge:

• Clear, straight-sided, tall glass or plastic jar
• Ruler
• Waterproof marker or tape

Steps:

1. Take your clear, straight-sided, tall glass or plastic jar. Make sure the top entrance has the same circumference as the body so that rain can enter. This will serve as your rain gauge body tube!
2. Use a waterproof marker to draw a scale on the side of the jar. Or, stick a ruler on the side of the jar with tape. Make sure the scale starts from the bottom of the jar. The marks should be at least a quarter of an inch apart.
3. Place your rain gauge outside in an open area where there are no trees or buildings to obstruct the rain.
4. After each rain, record the amount of rain collected in the jar by noting the water level. Be sure to empty the jar after each measurement to prepare for the next rain event.

Where to Find Weather Information

For keeping a daily weather log for 1 week, in addition to using your new rain gauge, you’ll need information from other sources. You can obtain weather information from the National Weather Service, which provides weather forecasts and alerts across the United States.

Other reliable sources include local radio and television stations. For online weather information, websites like Weather.com and AccuWeather also provide detailed forecasts. Here’s an example of how to format your weather log:

Helpful Tip: Be sure to take your readings and check the forecast at the same time each day for consistency.

For further instructions and visual guidance on making a rain gauge, refer to this article by Community Play Things. You can also use this video tutorial (2:42) to guide you in making your rain gauge!

10) Give a talk of at least five minutes to a group (such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) explaining the outdoor safety rules in the event of lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Before your talk, share your outline with your counselor for approval.

For this requirement, you’ll get the chance to teach your fellow Scouts how to stay safe in case of severe weather. While you should plan out this talk on your own, a little example always is helpful! Here’s an outline of important outdoor safety rules for lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes that you could explain in your talk:

Outdoor Safety Presentation: Outline

1. Introduction
   • Briefly explain the importance of understanding weather safety rules and how they could affect your home/loved ones
2. Lightning Safety Rules
   • Discuss what lightning is, where and when it typically occurs
   • Share key safety rules
3. Flash Flood Safety Rules
   • Describe flash floods and their potential dangers
   • Discuss key safety rules
4. Tornado Safety Rules
   • Explain what tornadoes are and where they are likely to occur
   • Share essential safety rules
5. Conclusion
   • Recap main points
   • Encourage further learning and preparedness
   • Open up for questions

Outdoor Safety Presentation: Sample Script

Now that you have an outline in mind, here’s an example script that could accompany it! Make sure to pay careful attention to the facts shared so that you can include them in your own talk. 🙂

1. Introduction:

Hello everyone! Today I’m going to talk about outdoor safety, specifically relating to three severe weather events: lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Understanding these events and knowing what to do when they occur can help keep us safe.

2. Lightning Safety Rules:

First, let’s talk about lightning. Lightning is a powerful and unpredictable force. When you hear thunder, that means lightning is nearby. Here are some safety rules:

• Seek shelter immediately, preferably in a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle.
• If you can’t find shelter, avoid open fields, hilltops, tall trees, or other tall objects.
• Stay away from water, wet items, and metal objects.

3. Flash Flood Safety Rules:

Next, let’s discuss flash floods. These can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall. Here’s what to do if you encounter one:

• Never walk or drive through floodwaters. It’s hard to assess the depth and current, and just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Move to higher ground if there’s a flood warning in your area.
• Don’t try to swim across flood waters. You may get swept away or struck by floating debris.

4. Tornado Safety Rules:

Finally, let’s cover tornadoes. Tornadoes are violent and can destroy buildings in seconds. If you’re in an area where a tornado warning has been issued:

• Get to a small, windowless room on the lowest level of your building, like a basement or interior hallway.
• Cover yourself with a mattress or cushions to protect against falling debris.
• If you’re outside, find a ditch or low-lying area and lay flat on the ground, protecting your head with your arms.

5. Conclusion:

Remember, your safety is the top priority during any severe weather event. These tips can help, but always listen to local authorities and weather forecasts. You are welcome to ask any questions you may have!

Bonus Tips for Presentation

• Know Your Audience: Try to understand your audience’s level of knowledge on the topic and tailor your talk to suit their needs.
• Engage Your Audience: Ask questions, use eye contact, and encourage participation to keep your audience interested.
• Use Visual Aids: Diagrams, pictures, or even props can help illustrate your points and make your talk more engaging.
• Practice: Practice your talk beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable with the material and can deliver it smoothly.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Think about potential questions your audience may ask and be prepared with answers.

11) Find out about a weather-related career opportunity that interests you. Discuss with and explain to your counselor what training and education are required for such a position, and the responsibilities required of such a position.

As you can probably tell, the weather and climate are super important to understand. On the most basic level, it affects how you leave your house, weather you turn on the AC or heat 😜, and even what foods you find in your grocery stores. We’ve also learned about the dangers of weather and the need for emergency preparedness!

Meteorology is an important science to understand, and there are a ton of fun careers available! I encourage you to conduct research and find one that best suits your interests. For the sake of this guide, we will discuss a career as a meteorologist, but there are many other careers you could consider, such as weather reporters, emergency prep specialists, or even raincoat manufacturers!

Weather-Related Careers: Becoming a Meteorologist

A career as a meteorologist is a great opportunity in a weather-related field. Meteorologists study the Earth’s atmosphere and its effects on the Earth’s surface. They monitor and interpret weather conditions, create forecasts, and conduct research on climate trends.

Training and Education Required:

A bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences, or in a related field with coursework in these areas is typically required for most entry-level positions. This coursework usually includes classes in meteorology, physics, mathematics, and computer science. For higher-level research positions, a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field may also be necessary.

Skills Required: 

Some universities and colleges offer specific programs in meteorology or atmospheric sciences, while others offer degrees in environmental science with coursework in meteorology. Strong analytical skills, especially in mathematics and physics, are essential. for becoming a meteorologist.

Responsibilities of a Meteorologist:

The responsibilities of a meteorologist can vary widely depending on the specific role. They might include:

• Collecting and analyzing data from satellite images, radar, or weather stations around the world.
• Predicting changes in weather and climate patterns.
• Issuing warnings about severe weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, or heavy rainfall.
• Conducting research to improve understanding and prediction of weather phenomena.
• Presenting weather forecasts on television.
• Writing reports or creating graphics to communicate weather forecasts.

Like other scientists, meteorologists contribute to our knowledge of the world. They often work with scientists in other fields, share their findings with the public, or apply their knowledge to the needs of businesses, government agencies, or the military.

Fun Fact: If you are familiar with storm chasers (the people who track tornadoes, hurricanes, and so on, usually very close to or inside the storm), they’re meteorologists! This career has more options than someone on the news, as many people associate with it. 

Conclusion

As you can see, understanding the weather and climate is super important! Human activities have a direct effect on the climate of the Earth, as well as local ecosystems, that over time, change the weather and climate. 

Meteorology is a fun and important branch of science that directly affects your everyday life. Hopefully, this guide helps you earn that Weather merit badge, but also gets you excited to understand the intriguing climate of our earth, as well as the weather around your home! 

Also, if you’re interested in the difficulty rankings for every Eagle-required merit badge, you can check out my full guide here! PS: The article also links to my other ultimate badge guides that’ll help you complete your merit badge worksheets.

I hope you’ve found my guide helpful, and hope that it helped you to answer each requirement on your merit badge worksheet. Feel free to share this with your fellow Scouts! Thanks for reading. Come back soon and, until next time, I’m wishing you all the best on your Scouting journey! 🙂

(Click here to return to part 1 of my guide to the Weather merit badge!)