Module 8 Flashcards
Test prep and knowledge proficiency
Updraft
A current of rising air
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 raindrop.
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 the 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 coldest?
The dew point is coldest on the second morning. It takes a colder temperature to form dew from air
that is less humid or is lower in pressure.
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.
The first stage is the cumulus stage, where there is only an updraft and no precipitation. In the
second stage, the mature stage, there are updrafts, downdrafts, and precipitation. The last stage, the
dissipation stage, has only downdrafts and precipitation.
If the heavy rain of a thunderstorm lasts for more than 30 minutes, what can you conclude about its
makeup?
The thunderstorm is probably made up of several cells.
Lightning forms as a result of electrical charge 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 is responsible for the majority of light and sound in a lightning bolt.
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?
Lighting 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 cloud-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.
Is the atmospheric pressure in Houston higher, lower, or nearly equivalent to that of Chicago?
The atmospheric pressures are nearly equivalent.
Is the atmospheric pressure in Houston higher, lower, or equivalent to that of Atlanta?
The atmospheric pressure in Houston is lower.
Is the occluded front nearer to San Francisco or Canada?
San Francisco.
Is the occluded front nearer to San Francisco or Canada?
Indianapolis will get warmer weather soon.
Will Atlanta or Indianapolis be in for some warmer weather soon?
Indianapolis will get warmer weather soon.
At the time this map was drawn, what city drawn on the map might be experiencing
thunderstorms?
Houston, TX
What city probably experienced long rains followed by thunderstorms recently?
San Francisco, CA
