High Altitude
Thin and Wispy
Cirrus
How many types of air masses are there?
Four
True or false:
An open space is better than a space with multiple high points. (ex. forests, cities)
False
Where is lightning most likely to hit?
High points
What is the best way to analyze weather?
By recognizing clouds
Low Altitude
Gray clouds associated with rain
Nimbostratus
What do air masses do?
They regulate the earth's temperature.
30 feet
Fill in the blank:
Lightning is caused by the _________ between storm clouds and the ground.
Imbalance
Why is weather difficult to predict?
Because there are too many variables involved.
Starts low, and slowly rises over time
Huge, towering thunderheads
Typically forms over a cold front
Cumulonimbus
What are two differences between cold fronts and warm fronts?
The weather they bring are different intensities, they are different densities, they are different speeds.
Why shouldn't you hide under a tree to avoid thunder?
Because electricity can still travel through the ground as a ground current and electrocute you.
What is a ground current?
Electricity that travels through the ground in a broad area.
Name one prefix and a root word that is used to name clouds.
Prefixes: Nimbo, Cirro, Alto
Root words: Cirrus, Cumulus, Stratus
Middle Altitude
Dull gray clouds that partially block out the sun, giving it a watery look
Altostratus
Name two of the clouds that you begin to see once a cold front advances closer.
Altocumulus, Altostratus, Nimbostratus
How do you find the cone of protection?
You imagine a 45 degree angle all around the tree to form the circle, and you try to stay as far away from the tree while staying in the circle.
What is lightning?
A giant spark between two clouds, between a cloud and the air around it, or between a clouds and the earth.
What is orographic uplift?
When moving air is pushed upwards due to sudden topography.
Middle Altitude
Small puffs of clouds
Altocumulus
Fill in the blank:
When a warm front collides with a stationary cold front, the warm front will __________ the cold front.
When a warm front collides with a stationary cold front, the warm front will slide up the cold front.
What is the purpose of the cone of protection?
To avoid taking a direct hit from the thunder, while also avoiding the ground currents in areas where there is only one high point.
How do you estimate the location and movement of thunder?
You count the time between when you see the lightning, and when you hear the thunder.
What causes orographic uplifts to be more dangerous during the afternoon?