Atmosphere & Clouds
What are the two major gases that make up the Earth's atmosphere?
Nitrogen and Oxygen
What type of air is necessary for thunderstorms to form?
warm, moist, unstable air
What temperature of ocean water is needed for a hurricane to form?
at least 80°F
What is climate?
The long-term average weather of a region?
What causes ocean currents?
wind, temperature, salinity, and Earth's rotation?
In which layer of the atmosphere does weather occur?
The Troposphere
What is the first stage of a thunderstorm?
Cumulus stage
What is the calm center of a hurricane called?
the eye
What major activity contributes to increased greenhouse gases?
burning fossil fuels
What is the Gulf Stream?
a warm surface current that affects the east coast of the U.S.
What is the process called when water vapor cools and turns into liquid water droplets?
Condensation
What causes lightning during a thunderstorm?
What is the friction between updrafts and downdrafts creating charged ions?
What scale is used to classify hurricanes based on sustained wind speeds?
the Saffir-Simpson Scale
What effect do greenhouse gases have on Earth's atmosphere?
they trap heat
How does the Coriolis effect influence ocean currents?
makes currents curve clockwise (to the right) in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise (to the left) in the Southern Hemisphere
Why does cold air sink and warm air rise in the atmosphere?
cold air is denser than warm air
What is the Enhanced Fujita Scale used for?
To measure the intensity of tornadoes based on damage?
What causes a hurricane to lose strength?
Moving over land or cold water
What is one effect of climate change specifically impacting Florida?
stronger hurricanes or coastal flooding
What drives deep ocean currents?
density differences caused by temperature and salinity
What are condensation nuclei?
tiny particles like dust or salt that water vapor condenses on to form clouds
How do tornadoes form from supercell thunderstorms?
Through wind shear causing rotation?
What is the primary cause of coastal flooding during a hurricane?
storm surge
What is one way to reduce the impact of climate change?
renewable energy or conservation measures
How do ocean currents affect climate?
they redistribute heat around the planet, influencing coastal climates