Pressure Systems and Fronts
What type of weather can you expect to see with a low-pressure system?
Cloudy and rainy
What does a thermometer measure?
Temperature
Define snow.
Precipitation that falls as ice crystals.
What type of pressure system is most likely to bring thunderstorms?
High pressure systems.
What will most likely result if a high-pressure system remains in an area for a long period of time?
Drought.
What type of weather can you expect to see with a high-pressure system?
Sunny and clear skies
What does a barometer measure?
Air pressure
Define rain.
Water droplets that get too heavy and fall from clouds. (Freezing rain= water droplets freezing as they touch a surface)
Define thunderstorm.
Produce thunder and lightning in cumulonimbus clouds. Can produce hail or tornados.
Where does a continental polar air mass come from?
Canada or Alaska
Blue with triangles
What does a hygrometer measure?
Humidity
Define sleet.
Small ice pellets that form as snow partially melts then refreezes as it falls from the clouds.
Define tornado.
Rapidly whirling funnel shaped clouds with high winds that reach down to Earth from a thunderstorm. Can cause massive destruction.
Describe a cold front. (how the air moves)
Cold air mass moves under warm air mass causing warm air mass to rise, creating cumulonimbus clouds.
Describe the symbol for a warm front. (color and shape)
Red with half circles
What does an anemometer measure?
Wind speed
Define hail.
Ice forms and falls through clouds during a thunderstorm. Layers are added as wind carries the ice back up until it eventually falls.
Define hurricane.
Tropical storm with winds of 74 mph or higher that form over warm ocean water. Forms in low pressure systems along the equator.
What would an air mass that forms over the Gulf of Mexico be called?
Maritime tropical.
Describe the symbol for a stationary front. (color and shape)
Blue triangles on one side, red half circles on the other
What does a weather vane measure?
Wind direction
What is responsible for creating wind?
Solar energy, warm air rising and cold air sinking.
Define drought.
Lower than usual amounts of precipitation.
What is the difference between an independent and dependent variable?
Independent: What the experimenter changes (x-axis)
Dependent: What is measured (y-axis)