UPCAT General Science (Extended) — Atmosphere, Weather & ClimateSlides
Slide library for Atmosphere, Weather & Climate. Every UPCAT General Science (Extended) concept in this chapter, broken into bite-sized slides that are easy to scan on mobile. Built around University of the Philippines's recent question patterns for the UPCAT 2026.
Exam context
For the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, University of the Philippines tests General Science (Extended) under a "Extended coverage for UP Science programs" label, with Atmosphere, Weather & Climate in the 4th slot across 6 chapters. UPCAT candidates must clear the UPG ≤ 2.2 typical cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 20 General Science (Extended) questions. Date to watch: Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions).
Atmosphere, Weather & Climate - Slides
Understanding the Earth's atmosphere and the complex processes that create weather patterns and climate is fundamental to understanding our planet's systems. This chapter explores the structure of the atmosphere, the factors that influence weather, and how climate patterns develop over time. These concepts are essential for understanding environmental science and are frequently tested in Philippine college entrance examinations.
Slides
What is the Atmosphere?
The atmosphere is like Earth's protective blanket, made up of different gases that work together to support life. Think of it as the air we breathe, but it extends far beyond what we can see.
Notes
Remember the major components: nitrogen is the most abundant, followed by oxygen which we need for breathing.
Topic
Atmospheric Composition
Slide Id
S1
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
1
Mermaid Diagram
Code
pie title Atmospheric Composition "Nitrogen" : 78 "Oxygen" : 21 "Argon" : 0.93 "Carbon Dioxide" : 0.03 "Other Gases" : 0.04
Type
mermaid_pie
Description
Shows the percentage composition of gases in Earth's atmosphere
Layers of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere isn't uniform - it's like a layered cake, with each layer having different properties. Understanding these layers helps explain weather patterns and space phenomena.
Notes
Each layer has a specific altitude range and temperature characteristic - this is important for UPCAT questions.
Topic
Atmospheric Layers
Slide Id
S2
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
2
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Exosphere<br/>Outermost Layer] --> B[Thermosphere<br/>80+ km<br/>Very Hot] B --> C[Mesosphere<br/>50-80 km<br/>Coldest Layer] C --> D[Stratosphere<br/>15-50 km<br/>Contains Ozone] D --> E[Troposphere<br/>0-15 km<br/>Weather Layer] E --> F[fa:fa-globe Earth Surface]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Shows the five layers of the atmosphere from outermost to Earth's surface
The Troposphere - Our Weather Layer
The troposphere is our home layer - it's where all life exists and where weather happens. When you feel cold air on a mountain, that's because temperature drops in the troposphere.
Notes
Remember: Troposphere = weather layer. Almost all atmospheric phenomena we experience happen here.
Topic
Troposphere
Slide Id
S3
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
3
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Troposphere Features] --> B[fa:fa-cloud Weather Formation] A --> C[fa:fa-thermometer-half Temperature Decreases] A --> D[fa:fa-tint 99% Water Vapor] A --> E[fa:fa-home Human Habitation] B --> F[Clouds and Precipitation] C --> G[Colder with Altitude] D --> H[Source of All Moisture] E --> I[0-15 km Above Surface]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Shows the key characteristics and functions of the troposphere
The Stratosphere - Ozone Protection
The stratosphere is like Earth's sunscreen layer. The ozone here absorbs harmful UV rays from the sun and converts them to heat, which is why temperature increases with altitude.
Notes
Key point: Stratosphere temperature increases with altitude due to ozone absorption of UV rays.
Topic
Stratosphere and Ozone
Slide Id
S4
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
4
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-sun Sun's UV Rays] --> B[Stratosphere] B --> C[Ozone Layer] C --> D[Absorbs UV Energy] D --> E[Converts to Heat] E --> F[fa:fa-shield Protects Earth] B --> G[fa:fa-plane Commercial Jets] B --> H[Temperature Increases Up]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Shows how the stratosphere and ozone layer protect Earth from harmful UV radiation
Upper Atmosphere Layers
The upper atmosphere layers have extreme conditions. The mesosphere is so cold that meteors freeze and burn up, while the thermosphere is extremely hot but would feel cold due to low air density.
Notes
Remember: Mesosphere = meteors, Thermosphere = satellites and aurora, Ionosphere = radio communication.
Topic
Upper Atmospheric Layers
Slide Id
S5
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
5
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Exosphere] --> B[Space Transition] C[Thermosphere] --> D[fa:fa-satellite Satellites] C --> E[fa:fa-star Aurora Lights] F[Mesosphere] --> G[fa:fa-meteor Meteors Burn] F --> H[Coldest Layer] I[Ionosphere] --> J[fa:fa-radio Radio Waves] I --> K[Electrically Charged]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Shows the characteristics and phenomena of the upper atmospheric layers
What is Weather?
Weather is what you experience right now when you step outside. It's the immediate atmospheric conditions that can change quickly throughout the day.
Notes
Weather = short-term atmospheric conditions. Climate = long-term weather patterns (30+ years).
Topic
Weather Definition
Slide Id
S6
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
6
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Weather Components)) Temperature Hot or Cold Measured in Celsius Humidity Water Vapor Amount Relative Humidity Pressure Air Weight High vs Low Wind Air Movement Speed and Direction Precipitation Rain Snow Hail Cloudiness Cloud Cover Clear to Overcast
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the six main components that describe weather conditions
Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure
Think of atmospheric pressure like a stack of books - the higher you go, the fewer books (air molecules) are pressing down. Temperature and pressure work together to create weather patterns.
Notes
Key relationship: Low pressure = bad weather, High pressure = good weather. This is because warm air rises and cools, forming clouds.
Topic
Temperature and Pressure
Slide Id
S7
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
7
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-thermometer-hot Warm Air] --> B[Rises Up] B --> C[Low Pressure System] C --> D[fa:fa-cloud Clouds Form] D --> E[fa:fa-tint Rain/Storms] F[fa:fa-thermometer-empty Cold Air] --> G[Sinks Down] G --> H[High Pressure System] H --> I[fa:fa-sun Clear Skies] I --> J[Fair Weather]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Shows the relationship between temperature, pressure, and weather patterns
Wind Formation and Movement
Wind is like water flowing downhill, but instead of flowing down slopes, air flows from areas of high pressure to low pressure. Earth's rotation adds a twist to this movement.
Notes
Remember: Air moves from high to low pressure, but Earth's rotation curves its path. Philippines is in Northern Hemisphere, so winds curve right.
Topic
Wind Formation
Slide Id
S8
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
8
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[High Pressure Area] --> B[Air Flows Out] B --> C[Low Pressure Area] C --> D[Air Flows In] E[fa:fa-globe Earth Rotation] --> F[Coriolis Effect] F --> G[Wind Curves Right<br/>Northern Hemisphere] F --> H[Wind Curves Left<br/>Southern Hemisphere] I[Temperature Difference] --> A I --> C
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Shows how pressure differences create wind and how Earth's rotation affects wind direction
Philippine Wind Systems
The Philippines experiences three major wind systems that bring different weather patterns throughout the year. Understanding these helps predict weather and plan agricultural activities.
Notes
Important for UPCAT: Know the three wind systems, their seasons, and characteristics. Amihan = dry season, Habagat = wet season.
Topic
Philippine Wind Systems
Slide Id
S9
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
9
Mermaid Diagram
Code
timeline title Philippine Wind Systems Throughout the Year Nov-Mar : Hanging Amihan : Northeast Monsoon : Cold and Dry Mar-May : Trade Winds : From North Pacific : Eastern Rain Jun-Oct : Hanging Habagat : Southwest Monsoon : Hot and Wet
Type
mermaid_timeline
Description
Timeline showing when different wind systems affect the Philippines during the year
Humidity and Precipitation
Humidity is invisible water in the air. When there's too much water vapor for the air to hold, it condenses into droplets that fall as precipitation. It's like a sponge that can only hold so much water.
Notes
Key concept: Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. When warm humid air cools, excess moisture condenses and falls.
Topic
Humidity and Precipitation
Slide Id
S10
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
10
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant Sun participant Ocean participant Air participant Clouds participant Earth Sun->>Ocean: Heats water Ocean->>Air: Water evaporates Air->>Air: Rises and cools Air->>Clouds: Water condenses Clouds->>Earth: Precipitation falls Earth->>Ocean: Water returns
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Shows the sequence of events in the water cycle leading to precipitation
Types of Clouds
Clouds are visible collections of tiny water droplets or ice crystals. Different cloud types form at different altitudes and indicate different weather patterns.
Notes
Remember: Nimbus = rain clouds, Cumulus = puffy clouds, Stratus = layered clouds, Cirrus = high wispy clouds.
Topic
Cloud Types
Slide Id
S11
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Cloud Types)) High Clouds Cirrus Thin Wispy Fair Weather Cirrostratus Sun Halo Rain Coming Cirrocumulus White Streaks Hurricane Warning Low Clouds Cumulus Puffy White Fair Weather Stratus Gray Layer Light Rain Stratocumulus Gray Puffy Dry Weather Rain Clouds Nimbostratus Dark Gray Steady Rain Cumulonimbus Thunderheads Severe Weather
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing different types of clouds organized by altitude and weather patterns
Air Masses and Fronts
Think of air masses as huge invisible blankets of air with similar properties. When different blankets meet, they create weather changes at their boundaries called fronts.
Notes
Key differences: Cold fronts = sudden, violent weather; Warm fronts = gradual, gentle weather changes.
Topic
Air Masses and Fronts
Slide Id
S12
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
12
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> Cold_Air_Mass [*] --> Warm_Air_Mass Cold_Air_Mass --> Cold_Front: Advances Warm_Air_Mass --> Warm_Front: Advances Cold_Front --> Heavy_Rain: Violent weather Warm_Front --> Light_Rain: Gentle weather Cold_Air_Mass --> Stationary_Front: No movement Warm_Air_Mass --> Stationary_Front: No movement Stationary_Front --> Extended_Rain: Long duration Cold_Front --> Occluded_Front: Overtakes warm Occluded_Front --> [*]
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
Shows the different types of fronts and weather patterns they create
Sea Breeze and Land Breeze
Land and water are like different materials that heat up at different speeds. Land is like metal that gets hot quickly, while water is like wood that heats slowly. This creates pressure differences and wind.
Notes
Remember: Day = sea breeze (water to land), Night = land breeze (land to water). This happens because land heats/cools faster than water.
Topic
Sea and Land Breezes
Slide Id
S13
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
13
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-sun Daytime] --> B[Land Heats Fast] A --> C[Water Heats Slow] B --> D[Low Pressure Over Land] C --> E[High Pressure Over Water] E --> F[Sea Breeze<br/>Water to Land] G[fa:fa-moon Nighttime] --> H[Land Cools Fast] G --> I[Water Cools Slow] H --> J[High Pressure Over Land] I --> K[Low Pressure Over Water] J --> L[Land Breeze<br/>Land to Water]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Shows how sea breeze and land breeze form due to different heating rates of land and water
The Hydrosphere and Water Distribution
Earth is mostly covered by water, but most of it is salty ocean water we cannot drink. The tiny amount of freshwater we depend on is precious and must be conserved.
Notes
Critical fact: Less than 3% of Earth's water is freshwater, and most of that is frozen. This makes freshwater conservation very important.
Topic
Hydrosphere
Slide Id
S14
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
14
Mermaid Diagram
Code
pie title Earth's Water Distribution "Saltwater Oceans" : 97.2 "Frozen Freshwater" : 2.1 "Groundwater" : 0.6 "Surface Freshwater" : 0.1
Type
mermaid_pie
Description
Shows the distribution of water on Earth, highlighting how little freshwater is available
Ocean Movements and Currents
Ocean water moves in complex patterns like a giant conveyor belt. Surface currents are like rivers in the ocean, while deep currents act like underwater waterfalls, mixing and distributing heat and nutrients.
Notes
Ocean currents are like Earth's circulatory system, moving heat, nutrients, and oxygen around the globe. Wind drives surface currents, density differences drive deep currents.
Topic
Ocean Currents
Slide Id
S15
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
15
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-wind Wind Force] --> B[Surface Currents] B --> C[Horizontal Movement] D[Temperature Differences] --> E[Deep Currents] F[Salinity Differences] --> E E --> G[Vertical Movement] H[Cold Polar Water] --> I[Sinks Down] I --> J[Polar Creep] K[Deep Water] --> L[Upwelling] L --> M[Nutrients to Surface] C --> N[Heat Distribution] G --> O[Oxygen Transport]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Shows the different types of ocean currents and their driving forces
Climate vs Weather
Weather is what you wear today, climate is what type of clothes you keep in your closet. Weather changes daily, but climate describes the general pattern over many years.
Notes
Remember: Weather = what's happening now, Climate = what usually happens. Climate is weather averaged over 30+ years.
Topic
Climate vs Weather
Slide Id
S16
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
16
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[fa:fa-calendar-day Weather] --> B[Daily Conditions] B --> C[Temperature Today] B --> D[Rain This Afternoon] B --> E[Wind Speed Now] F[fa:fa-calendar Climate] --> G[Long-term Patterns] G --> H[30+ Year Average] G --> I[Seasonal Patterns] G --> J[Regional Characteristics] K[Factors Affecting Climate] --> L[Latitude] K --> M[Altitude] K --> N[Ocean Proximity] K --> O[Mountain Ranges]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Compares weather and climate, showing their different time scales and determining factors
References
- BRAINBOX UPCAT AND OTHER COLLEGE ENTRANCE - Science Proficiency.pdf
- CET 2026 COMPREHENSIVE LECTURE NOTES - Science.pdf
- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
- National Geographic Education - Weather and Climate
- NASA Earth Science Division - Atmospheric Science
In summary
Understanding the atmosphere, weather, and climate is essential for comprehending Earth's complex environmental systems. The atmosphere's layered structure, from the troposphere where we live to the exosphere at the edge of space, each plays a crucial role in protecting and sustaining life. Weather patterns result from the interaction of temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, and other factors, while climate represents long-term weather trends. For students in the Philippines, understanding local weather patterns like the monsoon systems is particularly important. These concepts form the foundation for environmental science and are frequently tested in college entrance examinations. Mastering these topics will help students better understand natural phenomena and environmental challenges facing our planet.
Ready to practise for the UPCAT 2026?
Super Tutor's AI review plan adapts to your weak areas and builds a weekly practice schedule around your target UPCAT exam date.