climate and weather Flashcards
1
Q
How does the sun affect the climate?
A
solar heating across the planet produces global wind patterns and contributes to the formation of clouds, storms, and rainfall.
2
Q
What is the most critical factor in a tornado forming?
A
the presence of cool, dry air at middle levels in the troposphere, overlying a layer of moist, conditionally unstable air near the surface of the Earth.
3
Q
What causes lightning?
A
When the opposite charges build up enough, this insulating capacity of the air breaks down and there is a rapid discharge of electricity
4
Q
what causes thunder?
A
The lightning discharge heats the air rapidly and causes it to expand and explode
