Let's
The thick layer of gases that surround our planet is called our:
atmosphere
Name the 5 types of precipitation.
The change from a liquid to a gas is known as:
evaporation
The location where two air masses meet is known as:
a front
Meteorologists can collect data by making _______ or gather it using ______.
observations
instruments
This type of heat transfer moves heat through DIRECT contact, such as touching a hot pan.
conduction
Name a few instruments used by meteorologists and what they measure.
thermometer- measures temperature
barometer- measures air pressure
psychrometer- measures humidity
rain gauge- measures how much rain falls per in a month/year, etc.
weather balloon- measures air pressure, temp, humidity and wind speed
When particles in the air exert (or place) force on other particles, it is known as:
air pressure
A band of high speed winds contained inside prevailing westerlies is known as:
a jet stream
Relative humidity can be measured with a:
psychrometer or hygrometer
A stationary front occurs when cold and warm air _____ but neither can ____ the other- like a balanced match of tug-of-war :)
It may bring days of drizzle, fog, rain, or snow.
meet
move
The TWO most abundant gases found in our atmosphere are:
NITROGEN & OXYGEN
I form over water and am made up of chilly air. Which type of air mass am I?
When air particles are heated, it causes them to _____ out and move at a _____ rate.
spread out
faster
This layer of our atmosphere is closest to Earth's surafce and is where our weather occurs.
Troposphere
Air pressure is measured with a:
barometer
This layer is our outermost and is the boundary with space.
Thermosphere
Why it is that meteorologists can't really predict weather beyond a 5-day time span?
Because even small disturbances in our atmosphere can alter the weather.
This type of heat transfer involves heated particles moving in CIRCULAR MOTION to heat something evenly, such as a boiling pot of water.
convection
Name TWO differences between a cyclone and an anticyclone.
Cyclone- low pressure center, spins counterclockwise, brings clouds and precipitation
Anticyclone- high pressure center, spins clockwise, brings clear, dry weather
If the humidity is high, evaporation will occur at a _____ rate.
slower
Think of those hot, muggy July days we sometimes have that cause us to sweat fast. This is because SO much moisture is trapped in the warm air.
Name TWO ways that our atmosphere protects us.
The percent of water in the air compared to the amount the air can hold at a certain temperature is known as:
relative humidity
EXPLAIN why nitrogen is so important.
It is about 78% of the air we breathe and is SUPER important to plants- vital for their GROWTH. As they grow, they expel (give off) nitrogen into the air. We'd be lost without our plants!
Use your reference chart to calculate the relative humidity in this situation. ***If you still need a reference chart, stop by and I'll supply one.
Dry Bulb 33 degrees C
Wet Bulb 25 degrees C
53% humidity