week 2
weather patterns over an extended period of time at least 10 years depends on latitude and geography
climate
a huge body of air that has the same temperature (warm or cold), humidity (water vapor) and air pressure (high or low).
Air Mass
a place where at least 2 different air masses meet
front
a spinning, low pressure system formed over warm water with at least 74 mile per hour wind
hurricane
whirling mass of warm moist air that generally brings stormy weather with strong winds
low air pressure
imaginary lines on earth that run horizontal and measure north to south
latitude
day to day or minute by minute conditions in the atmosphere
weather
the movement of air blowing from a specific direction
wind
a deficiency (lack) of precipitation over an extended period of time (usually a season or more), resulting in a water shortage
drought
whirling mass of cool dry air that generally brings fair weather and light winds
high air pressure
a period of the year that is distinguished by special climate conditions and include winter, spring, summer and fall
seasons
weather tool used to measure the air pressure
Barometer
forms when 2 similar air masses meet and stop moving
stationary front
violently spinning, funnel-shaped columns of air that stretch from the dark thunderclouds they form all the way to the ground; the winds can top 250 miles an hour
tornado
the imaginary line that runs through the center of the earth
axis
this area found near the equator with hot and humid weather year-round, with little temperature change and few seasonal transitions
Equatorial Region
cold but dry air mass due to its origin over land
continental polar
a prediction of future weather events
forecast
to break up and scatter or vanish
dissipate
imaginary line that is at the center of the earth that measures at zero degrees
equator
areas on the earth that are cold year round because of indirect sunlight
Polar Region
cold but moist air mass due to its origin over the oceans and near polar regions
maritime polar
the movement of warmer liquids or gasses moving above colder liquids or gasses
convection
a winter storm that combines strong winds and blowing snow of at least 35 miles per hour limiting visibility
blizzard
half the earth, EITHER divided by the equator into north and south halves OR by an imaginary line through the poles into east and west halves
hemisphere