Meteorology Unit Assessment Study Guide Flashcards
Q
Describe ow the earth heats earths atmosphere and surface.
A
When the solar energy passes through the atmosphere, it is absorbed by the gases and by earths surface. Those gases, and the earths surface, change that solar energy into heat. Last, the heat is transferred through Earths atmosphere.
Q
What are the layers of the atmosphere? List the key terms related to each layer.
A
Troposphere- the layer we live on
Stratosphere- contains the Ozone layer, protects us from UV rays
Mesosphere- place where meteors heat up and get destroyed
Thermosphere- hottest layer
Q
What are radiation, thermal conduction and convection?
A
Radiation is the transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves- ex. Microwave
Thermal Conduction is is the transfer of energy as heat through a material- ex. The sun heating up a rock
Convection is the transfer of energy due to the movement of matter- ex. Convection currents
Q
How is wind created? How does wind relate to air pressure?
A
Wind is created when the warm. day air above land heats up more quickly than the air over the water. The warm air then rises and expands, and the cooler air rushes in to take its place. Wind relates to air pressure in the way that the cool air is heavier, like high pressure.
Q
What are the types of global winds? Where are they located?
A
Doldrums- on the equator;dull, sluggish
Trade winds- located 30 degrees latitude to the equator
Horse Latitudes- located 30 degrees north/south latitude; high pressure
Westerlies- located between 30 and 60 degrees latitude
Polar Easterlies- extend from the poles to 60 degrees latitude
Q
How are the Sea and Land breezes created?
A
The Sea breezes happen during the day, and they are created when the warm air over land rises, and creates an area of low pressure. The cooler air over the sea creates an area of high pressure, and the cool air then flows into the warm air, creating a Sea breeze. The Land Breeze happens at night, and they are created when the warmer ocean air and cooler land air flow together. A Land breeze is the opposite of a Sea Breeze.
Q
How are clouds formed?
A
Clouds are formed when the water vapor that is evaporating in the air, and all that water clings onto dust particles in the air, and when all the water vapor comes together, it forms a cloud.
Q
What are the cloud types? What type of weather does each bring?
A
The 3 types of clouds are cumulus, Stratus, and cirrus. Cumulus clouds often signal fair weather. Cirrus clouds signal that rain or snow is coming. Stratus clouds signal that rain or snow is coming.
Q
What are the different forms of precipitation?
A
The different forms of Precipitation are Rain, Snow, Sleet, Hail.
Q
Name the 4 fronts that affect our weather.
A
The four different fronts are the Clod front, Warm front, Stationary front, and Occluded front.
Q
How do low and high pressures affect our weather?
A
They help create different types of clouds, and help make hurricanes and tornados
Q
Compare and contrast hurricanes and tornados.
A
Hurricanes happen at sea, while tornados happen on land. Also, hurricanes are measured by using the saiffar- scale. Hurricanes also usually form in March- June
