Students at a college in southern England were studying how to collect weather data and if there might be relationships between weather data measurements. One group of students focused their study on rainfall. They investigated the following hypotheses: Hypothesis 1: Daily rainfall totals are influenced by the direction from which the wind is blowing. Hypothesis 2: Daily rainfall totals are higher when atmospheric pressure is higher.

1. (a)The students decided to collect their data at 09:00 on each day in February. Why is it important to collect data at the same time each day?[1]
2. (b)(i)The students used a rain gauge and measuring cylinder to collect rainfall data. These are shown in Fig. 7.1 (Insert). Describe how this equipment is used to measure daily rainfall.[4]
3. (b)(ii)Which two of the following factors are important when deciding where to put the rain gauge? Tick (✔) your choices below. Factor | Tick (✔) away from trees to reduce interception by leaves | on concrete to collect any rain splashing up from the ground | on a hillside which is facing the direction the wind is blowing the rain | next to a main road so it is easy to get to the rain gauge | remote from people or animals which may interfere with the rain gauge |[2]
4. (c)(i)The students used a wind vane to collect data about wind direction. On Fig. 7.2 below, complete the boxes to show how the wind vane measures wind direction. [Figure 7.2][2]
5. (c)(ii)Suggest a good position to put a wind vane and explain your choice.[2]
6. (d)(i)The students used their daily measurements of rainfall and wind direction to plot data onto Fig. 7.3 on page 16. On Fig. 7.3 plot the rainfall measurements for 4th and 27th February shown below. Date in February | Wind direction | Total rainfall (mm) 4th | south | 7.0 27th | north | 4.4[2]
7. (d)(ii)What conclusion would the students make about Hypothesis 1: Daily rainfall totals are influenced by the direction from which the wind is blowing? Support your answer with evidence from Fig. 7.3.[4]
8. (d)(iii)The students compared their results with data collected in February of the previous year. This is shown in Fig. 7.4 below. Wind direction and total daily rainfall data from previous year [Figure 7.4] Describe how wind direction in February varied between the two years shown in Figs. 7.3 and 7.4. Use data in your answer.[2]
9. (d)(iv)What effect did the difference in wind direction have on daily amounts of rainfall in February in the two years?[1]
10. (e)(i)To investigate Hypothesis 2: Daily rainfall totals are higher when atmospheric pressure is higher, the students recorded atmospheric pressure daily. Which one of the following instruments would the students have used to measure atmospheric pressure? Tick (✔) your choice below. Weather instrument | Tick (✔) anemometer | barometer | hygrometer | thermometer |[1]
11. (e)(ii)The students plotted their measurements of atmospheric pressure and daily rainfall on the scatter graph, Fig. 7.5 below. Plot the data for the two days in the table below onto Fig. 7.5. Date in February | Atmospheric pressure (mb) | Total rainfall (mm) 11th | 987 | 10.0 24th | 997 | 3.1 [Figure 7.5][2]
12. (e)(iii)The students made the conclusion that Hypothesis 2: Daily rainfall totals are higher when atmospheric pressure is higher is incorrect. How does Fig. 7.5 support this conclusion? Refer to data in your answer.[2]
13. (e)(iv)The students again compared their results with data collected in February of the previous year. Atmospheric pressure data for both months is shown in Table 7.1 (Insert). Describe the differences in atmospheric pressure between the two months. Use data in your answer.[2]
14. (f)Another group of students compared data they had collected on average daily temperatures and wind direction. This is shown in Fig. 7.6 (Insert). Describe how the direction from which the wind was blowing affected average daily temperatures.[3]

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