The Water Cycle
What is the Water Cycle?
The continual process of water moving from Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back again.
How many types of main air masses are there?
4
What is a weather front?
The boundary where 2 air masses meet
What is a thermometer?
What is a jet stream?
A fast moving, narrow band of wind in the upper atmosphere.
What is Evaporation?
The process by which liquid water turns into water vapor.
Describe the features of a Continental Polar air mass
Dry, Humid
Describe a cold front
When a cool air mass moves into an air mass. Can bring sudden changes like thunderstorms.
What is a rain gauge used for?
Collects and measures precipitation over a period of time
What is a current?
A large stream of water that flows through the Ocean.
What is condensation?
The process of water vapor turning to liquid water.
Describe the features of a Maritime Polar air mass
moist/humid, cold
Describe a warm front
When a warm air mass moves into a cool air mass. Can lead to light rain or snow fall, warm temperatures usually follow.
What is a Barometer?
Measures atmospheric pressure to help predict storms or clear skies.
Air always moves from _________- pressure areas to _________- pressure areas.
high, low
What is precipitation?
Any form of water that falls from the clouds and falls to Earth.
Describe the features of a Continental Tropical air mass
dry, warm
When a cold air mass and warm air mass meet, but neither of them move much. Weather may include long periods of rain, snow, fog, or clouds.
What is an anemometer
A tool used to measure wind speeds.
What is air pressure
A measure of how strongly earth's atmosphere pushes down on an area.
What is Transpiration?
When plants give off water vapor through their leaves.
Describe the features of a Maritime Tropical air mass
moist/humid, warm
Describe an occluded front
When two cold air masses move in on a warm air mass, causing the warm air mass to rise. Can cause severe weather and strong winds.
What is a hygrometer?
Measures the humidity or water vapor content in the air.
How does an air mass change as it moves over a new area of land or water?
It gradually takes on the temperature and moisture of the new environment.