MET 1010 Final Flashcards
Difference between thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes in terms of size and expected wind speed.
Thunderstorms are more localized events with windspeeds of about 30-50 MPH, While tornadoes can be much larger and more destructive with wind speeds up to 300 MPH or more, Hurricanes are typically large that can span over hundreds of miles in diameter and have wind speeds that can exceed 150 MPH.
Describe the four stages of development of a thunderstorm
1.) Cumulus stage; where warm moist air rises and condenses into visible clouds.
2.) Mature stage; where strong winds and rain become more intense.
3.) Dissipating stage; when the storm’s intensity slowly weakens.
4.) Clear stage; Powerful winds die down and the storm clears.
Describe the formation of a thunderstorm along a squall line
A thunderstorm can form along a squall line when warm, moist air rises and creates an updraft.
Describe the formation of a thunderstorm in the midst of an air mass.
When a thunderstorm reaches an air mass, moisture condenses and forms cumulus clouds which will eventually develop into a thunderstorm.
Describe the formation of a thunderstorm in the advance of a frontal boundary.
When cold and warm air masses collide and create winds that help push the warm air up into the cooler air, This causes rising air, cumulus formation, and eventually a thunderstorm.
Summarize the events that lead to lightning and thunder
Lightning and thunder are the result of a thunderstorm, during this, when the clouds of the thunderstorm become charged with electricity, lightning is formed, which leads to thunder as the sound waves travel through the atmosphere,
Safety precautions to take during a thunderstorm.
Stay away from windows, doors, and electrical outlets because thunderstorms have high wind speeds and debris might be flying.
Atmospheric conditions that are most conducive to the formation of tornadoes.
Tornadoes form in unstable air masses, with warm, humid air at low levels and cold dry air at higher levels. This creates high instability which leads to a tornado.
Difference between a Tornado Watch and Tornado warning
A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a tornado to form, While a tornado warning is issued when a tornado has. been spotted or is imminent.
Discuss the formation of a hurricane
Hurricanes form when warm, moist air rises due to high altitudes, creating an area of low pressure. This low pressure is then filled by winds. As these winds circle around the center of low pressure, they create a spinning, spiraling motion. This spiraling motion increases the winds allowing them to reach wind speeds of up to 150 MPH.
Distinguish between a Tropical depression, Tropical storm and a hurricane
A tropical depression is a low-pressure system with winds of less than 38 MPH, A tropical storm has winds between 39 and 73 MPH. A hurricane is a low pressure area with winds greater than 74 MPH
Compare hurricanes and tornadoes in terms of loss of life and total destruction.
Hurricanes can cause much more destruction and loss of life than tornadoes because hurricanes typically affect larger areas.
How does a hurricane dissipate
A hurricane will eventually dissipate when the warm moist air is used up and the winds die down.
Describe recent hurricanes the areas they affected and their impact.
Hurricane Harvey: Texas and Louisiana(2017)
Hurricane Irma: Florida(2017)
Hurricane Maria: Peurto rico(2017)
All of these storms caused considerable property damage and some loss of life.
When are severe weather phenomena most likely to occur and what area in the U.S. are most likely affected by them
Severe weather is most likely to develop in the spring and summer months, As for the areas most likely affected that would be the east and gulf coasts, the Great plains and Midwest.
