Vocab
a front of air masses that moves either very slowly or not at all
stationary front
What are the 4 main types of air masses
polar, tropical, continental, and maritime.
What is a midlatitude cyclone
an area of low pressure that is characterized by rotating wind that moves toward the rising air of the central low pressure region
Identify 4 instruments that measure lower atmospheric weather conditions
Thermometers, barometers, anemometers, and wind vanes measure lower atmospheric weather conditions.
What have meteorologists done to try and control rain
cloud seeding
a usually brief, heavy storm that consists of rain, strong winds, lightning, and thunder
thunderstorm
What do cold fronts usually produce
short lived storms
How do hurricanes develop
Hurricanes develop when warm, moist air over the ocean rises rapidly.
Describe how scientists measure conditions in the upper atmosphere
Radiosondes, radar, and satellite equipment measure upper atmospheric weather conditions.
how do weather stations communicate weather data
Each weather station sends data to a collection center.
instrument that measures atmospheric pressure
barometer
In terms of air masses, what kind of air mass is mT short for?
maritime tropical
How is the shape of a tornado described
a funnel shaped cloud
What does an anemometer measure
wind speed
True or false: Continental air masses are dry
true
a package of instruments that is carried aloft by a balloon to measure upper atmospheric conditions, including temperature, dew point, and wind velocity
radiosonde
How does an air mass form
An air mass forms when air remains stationary or moves slowly over a uniform region, taking on the characteristic temperature and humidity of that region.
When talking about severe weather, what is the difference between a watch and a warning
A watch means that all the elements needed for severe weather are present but nothing has occurred yet.
A warning means that the severe weather is here, and action in necessary.
Explain how computers help scientists understand weather
Computers are used to solve complicated mathematical equations that describe weather.
When is the best time to wear a striped sweater
all the time
a pattern of meteorological symbols that represents the weather at a particular observing station and that is recorded on a weather map
station model
the front edge of an advancing warm air mass that replaces colder air with warmer air
warm front
What is the most deadly part of a hurricane
The storm surge
Why aren't weather forecasts always accurate
Weather forecasts are predictions for the weather, and the weather can change very quickly.
What type of unit of measurement is used for wind speed
knots