Module #8 Flashcards
Insulator
A substance that does not conduct electricity very well
Both the Bergeron process and the collision-coalescence process explain precipitation, but they each begin with a different kind of cloud. With what kind of cloud does each theory begin?
The Bergeron process begins with cold clouds, while the collision-coalescence theory begins with warm clouds.
Which of the two theories of precipitation governs the fall of rain from the top of a cumulonimbus cloud? What kind of rain cloud would be most likely described by the collision-coalescence process?
The Bergeron process describes precipitation from the top of cumulonimbus clouds, while the collision-coalescence theory describes precipitation from nimbostratus.
What is the difference between drizzle and rain?
Only the size of the rain drop.
What are the differences between sleet, hail, and freezing rain?
Sleet is much smaller than hail, but both of them are frozen before they hit the ground. Freezing rain, on the other hand, is liquid until it hits a cold surface.
A meteorologist measures a dew point on two different mornings. The first morning is very humid and the atmospheric pressure is high. The second morning is not nearly as humid and the atmospheric pressure has fallen. On which day will the dew point be the coldest?
The dew point is coldest on the second morning.
Name the three stages of a thunderstorm cell in the order they occur. At each stage, indicate whether an updraft, downdraft or both are present. Also, indicate whether or not precipitation occurs.
- Cumulus stage, updraft and no precipitation
- Mature Stage, updrafts and downdraft with precipitation
- Dissipation Stage, downdraft and precipitation
If the heavy rain of a thunderstorm lasts for more than 30 minutes, what can you conclude about it’s makeup?
The thunderstorm is probably made up of several cells.
Lightning forms as a result of electrical charge and imbalance. Where does that charge imbalance originate and why does it occur?
The charge imbalance first forms in the cumulonimbus cloud, and it is due to water droplets or ice crystals rubbing against each other in glancing collisions.
Which is responsible for most of the light and sound in a lightning bolt: the stepped leader or the return stroke?
The return stroke.
Where does the thunder in a thunderstorm come from?
Thunder is the result of superheated air traveling out from the lightning bolt in waves.
Why do lightning bolts tend to strike targets that are high?
Lightning strikes tall things because the positive charges in the ground tend to pile up in a tall object.
What is the difference between sheet lightning and a lightning bolt?
Sheet lightning is crowd–to–cloud lightning while lightning bolts are
cloud–to-ground lightning.
What kind of cloud is necessary for tornado formation?
A cumulonimbus cloud must be present to form a tornado.
List the five stages of a tornado in order. At which stage is the tornado most destructive?
Whirl Stage Organizing Stage Mature Stage Shrinking Stage Decay Stage
Most Destructive in mature stage
