Weather Basics
What is weather?
The condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, including temperature, wind, humidity, and precipitation.
What is the relationship between air pressure and altitude?
As altitude increases, air pressure decreases.
What is the process by which water vapor turns into liquid water?
Condensation.
What is a cold front?
A boundary where a cold air mass moves into a warm air mass, usually bringing thunderstorms.
What causes a thunderstorm to form?
Thunderstorms form when warm, moist air rises rapidly, cools, and condenses, forming clouds and releasing energy.
What is the term for the movement of air from high to low pressure?
Wind.
What kind of weather is associated with low air pressure?
Stormy, rainy weather.
What is the first step in the water cycle?
Evaporation.
What happens when a warm front passes over an area?
The temperature increases, and light rain or snow may occur.
What is the rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cloud base?
Tornado.
What instrument is used to measure temperature?
Thermometer.
What type of pressure system is typically associated with calm, fair weather?
High-pressure system.
What term describes the movement of water through the atmosphere and back to the Earth?
The Water Cycle.
What type of front is associated with no movement between air masses?
Stationary Front.
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to form, while a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, and people in the affected area should take immediate action.
Which atmospheric layer contains most of Earth's weather?
The Troposphere.
What causes wind?
Differences in air pressure.
What is precipitation?
Water released from clouds in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
What is a stationary front and how does it affect weather?
A stationary front occurs when two air masses, one cold and one warm, meet but neither advances. This can result in prolonged, steady precipitation.
What type of severe weather forms over warm ocean waters and is characterized by strong winds and heavy rain?
Hurricane.
What is the term for a long period of excessive dryness in a region?
Drought.
What happens when two air masses of different temperatures meet?
A weather front forms, and it can lead to storms or changes in weather.
What is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere?
Transpiration.
What weather changes are typically associated with an occluded front?
Occluded fronts often bring a combination of heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, and rapidly changing temperatures as cold air catches up with a warm front.
What is a heat wave, and how can it affect the environment and people?
A heat wave is an extended period of excessively hot weather, often with high humidity. It can lead to heat-related illnesses, wildfires, droughts, and agricultural damage.