Intro to the Atmosphere

Question 1

Condensation nuclei

Answer 1

(tiny particles) are needed to get a cloud drop to form (act as a surface for condensation)

Question 2

Saturation

Answer 2

is an equilibrium condition in which for each molecule that evaporates, one condenses – When the air is saturated, it is containing the max possible amount of water vapor

Question 3

Dew point

Answer 3

is the temperature at which saturation occurs; if we cool air parcel to dew point, liquid water condenses; dew point indicates the amount of water vapor

Question 4

Relative Humidity

Answer 4

is the ratio of how much water vapor you currently have to how much the air can hold at saturation (expressed as a %); indicates how close to saturation; NOT a good measure of actual water vapor content!

Question 5

Cirro

Answer 5

cirro = high, wispy

Question 6

Alto

Answer 6

alto = mid level

Question 7

Cumulus

Answer 7

cumulus = low base, grows tall

Question 8

Nimbo

Answer 8

nimbo = indicates rain cloud

Question 9

Strato

Answer 9

strato = low, sheet-like

Question 10

Wind

Answer 10

horizontal mov’t of air that arises from differences in air pressure

Question 11

Cyclone

Answer 11

low-pressure system, rising air, bad weather

Question 12

Anticyclone

Answer 12

high-pressure system, sinking air, good weather

Question 13

Wind Shear

Answer 13

changes in wind speed and/or direction with height

Question 14

Air Mass

Answer 14

a large region of the lower troposphere that has relatively uniform temperature and moisture content

Question 15

A

Answer 15

Arctic air masses found over the North Pole

Question 16

P

Answer 16

Polar air masses found at high latitudes

Question 17

T

Answer 17

Tropical air masses found near equator

Question 18

m

Answer 18

maritime air masses develop above oceans (wetter)

Question 19

c

Answer 19

continental (dry) air masses form over continents

Question 20

cA

Answer 20

Continental Arctic: forms over permanent snow or sea ice. Extremely cold, dry air that may move south.

Question 21

cP

Answer 21

Continental Polar: forms over northernmost portions of N. America, Europe, and Asia. Cold and dry but not as cold as cA masses

Question 22

cT

Answer 22

Continental Tropical: forms over continental interiors. Hot, dry air that is modified as it moves east or north. Summer only in US

Question 23

mP

Answer 23

Maritime Polar: form in the N. Atlantic and Pacific and Southern Oceans. Cool, moist air that affects NE and NW states in the states in the US. Warmer than cP air. Brings rains to the coasts of Washinton, Oregon, and snows to the inland mountains

Question 24

mT

Answer 24

Maritime Tropical: move inland from the tropical Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and tropical Atlantic Ocean. Hot and humid (brings to SE states)

Question 25

Infrared Images

Answer 25

shows wavelengths clouds are radiating

Question 26

Satellites visible

Answer 26

shows sunlight reflected from clouds

Question 27

Radar

Answer 27

looks at return echo to determine radiation; brightness of return echo = amount/intensity of rain

Question 28

Doppler Radar

Answer 28

measures horizontal velocity (speed and direction) of rain

Question 29

Advisory

Answer 29

potential for hazardous conditions

Question 30

Watch

Answer 30

atmospheric conditions present for hazardous conditions; time and exact location unknown (ingredients for cupcake)

Question 31

Warning

Answer 31

Imminent or occuring (cupcake)