North
The layers of gases surrounding Earth
Atmosphere
A large body of air with similar temperature and humidity
Air Mass
The average long-term weather conditions of an area
Climate
A large-scale system of winds rotating around a low-pressure center
Cyclone
Weather data collected from satellites showing cloud patterns and storm systems
Satellite Imagery
The force exerted by the weight of air in the atmosphere
Air Pressure
A region where air sinks, usually bringing clear skies and calm weather
High-Pressure System
The day-to-day state of the atmosphere
Weather
A system of winds rotating around a high-pressure center
Anticyclone
The warming of Earth’s surface due to atmospheric gases trapping heat
Greenhouse Effect
The amount of water vapor in the air
Humidity
A region where air rises, often creating clouds, storms, and unsettled weather
Low-Pressure System
Water that falls from the atmosphere to Earth as rain, snow, sleet, or hail
Precipitation
A line on a weather map that connects points of equal air pressure
Isobar
Dangerous weather conditions such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms
Severe Weather
The temperature at which air becomes saturated and water vapor condenses
Dew Point
A fast-moving band of winds high in the upper atmosphere that influences weather patterns
Jet Stream
The process by which water vapor changes into liquid water
Condensation
A line on a weather map showing locations with equal temperature
Isotherm
A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground
Tornado
The boundary between two air masses with different temperatures and densities
Front
The apparent curving of moving air due to Earth’s rotation
Coriolis Effect
The process of liquid water turning into water vapor
Evaporation
Technology that uses radio waves to detect precipitation and storm movement
Radar
A large, powerful tropical storm system with strong winds and heavy rain
Hurricane