Chapter 8.3 - Exam Review Flashcards
Briefly describe a stable atmosphere?
If a parcel of air returns to its original position.
Briefly describe an unstable atmosphere?
If a parcel of air continues to rise from its original position.
Briefly describe the term ‘neutrally stable’ as it applies to the atmosphere?
If a parcel of air remains at the displaced level.
What are the two main cloud classifications?
- Cumuliform.
- Stratiform.
What are the three cloud groups by height?
- Low.
- Medium.
- High.
List the main cloud types with their standard abbreviation in the low level (4)?
- Cumulonimbus (CB).
- Cumulus (CU).
- Stratocumulus (SC).
- Stratus (ST).
List the main cloud types with their standard abbreviation in the medium level (3)?
- Altostratus (AS).
- Altocumulus (AC).
- Nimbostratus (NS).
List the main cloud types with their standard abbreviation in the high level (3)?
- Cirrocumulus (CC).
- Cirrostratus (CS).
- Cirrus (CI).
What is drizzle?
Very small water droplets.
What is rain?
Liquid water drops falling to the earth’s surface.
What is showers?
Precipitation from cumulonimbus and cumulus clouds in the form of rain, snow or hail.
What is virga?
Water droplets which evaporate before reaching the earth’s surface.
What type of precipitation is usually associated with Stratus clouds?
Drizzle.
What type of precipitation is usually associated with Cirrostratus clouds?
Nil.
What type of precipitation is usually associated with Nimbostratus clouds?
Heavy continuous rain.
