Chapter 3 - Weather Flashcards
What are the three types of weather briefs available from 1-800-WX-BRIEF?
- Standard
- Abbreviated
- Outlook
What are three characteristics of STABLE air?
- Stratiform clouds
- Fair to poor visibility
- Continuous precipitation
What are three characteristics of UNSTABLE air?
- Cumulous clouds
- Good visibility
- Showery precipitation
What is caused by heat radiating from the ground at night heating the lower layer of air?
Radiation fog
What is caused by warm, moist air moving over a colder surface, causing its temperature to drop?
Advection fog
What is caused by moist air flowing up a slope, and cooling as it rises with the terrain?
Upslope fog
What is caused by rain falling on a hot surface?
Percipitation induced/ steam fog
What is the FAA definition of a low cloud?
6500 feet and below
What does the suffix “nimbus” mean in relation to clouds?
Rain (ex. cumulonimbus, nimostratus)
What is the FAA definition of a middle cloud?
6500 feet to 23000 feet
What is the FAA definition of a high cloud?
Greater than 23000 feet
Is a standing lenticular cloud (almond shaped) indicative of stable or unstable air?
Very unstable
Given the following METAR, what is the visibilty?
KINK 121845Z 11012G18KT 15SM SKC 25/17 A3000
15 Statute Miles
Given the following METAR, what is the wind direction and speed?
KINK 121845Z 11012G18KT 15SM SKC 25/17 A3000
Wind coming from 110 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots
Given the following METAR, what is the cloud formation?
KINK 121845Z 11012G18KT 15SM SKC 25/17 A3000
SKC = Skies clear
Given the following METAR, what is the cloud formation?
KBOI 121854Z 13004KT 30SM SCT150 17/6 A3015
SCT150 = Scattered clouds at 15000 feet
Given the following METAR, what precipitation is present?
KLAX 121852Z 25004KT 6SM BR SCT007 SCT250 16/15 A2991
BR = Baby Rain (Mist)
Given the following METAR, what is the cloud level?
KLAX 121852Z 25004KT 6SM BR SCT007 SCT250 16/15 A2991
SCT007 = Scattered clouds at 700 feet & SCT250 = Scattered clouds at 25000 feet
What does SPECI designate at the beginning of a METAR?
Special METAR, released outside of the normal 55 minute schedule. Indicates significant change from scheduled METAR
Given the following METAR, what is the precipitation present?
SPECI KMDW 121856Z 320005KT 1 1/2SM RA 17/16 A2980 RMK RAB35
RA = Rain
Given the following METAR, what is the visibility?
SPECI KMDW 121856Z 320005KT 1 1/2SM RA 17/16 A2980 RMK RAB35
1 1/2SM = 1.5 Statute Miles
Given the following METAR, what is the meaning of the Remarks section?
SPECI KMDW 121856Z 320005KT 1 1/2SM RA 17/16 A2980 RMK RAB35
RMK RAB35 = Rain began 35 minutes past the hour
Given the following METAR, what is the visibility, and what special information is given about it?
SPECI KJFK 121853Z 18004KT 1/2SM FG R04/2200 OVC005 20/18 A3006
1/2SM = 0.5 Statute miles; FG = Fog; R04/2200 = On runway #04, visibility is 2200 feet
What is the definition of a ceiling, as it pertains to weather & clouds?
The lowest broken (BKN) or overcast (OVC) layer. (Not scattered and few)